University of Cambridge Recruitment 2026 | Postdoctoral Research Associate (3 Positions)

University of Cambridge Recruitment 2026 | Postdoctoral Research Associate (3 Positions)

The Centre for Geopolitics (CfG), part of the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH) at the University of Cambridge, has announced recruitment for three Postdoctoral Research Associate positions. The appointments are linked to the Ax:son Johnson Institute for Statecraft and Diplomacy (AJI) and offer an exciting opportunity for scholars working in the fields of geopolitics, statecraft, diplomacy, international relations, and strategic studies.

These positions are offered on a fixed-term basis for two years and provide a platform for conducting independent, high-impact research within a globally connected academic network.

About the Institution

The Centre for Geopolitics (CfG) at the University of Cambridge is a leading interdisciplinary research centre focused on international affairs, strategy, diplomacy, and geopolitical developments. The positions are part of the Ax:son Johnson Institute for Statecraft and Diplomacy (AJI), established by the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation for Public Benefit (AJF).

Position Details

Research Areas

Successful candidates will undertake independent research projects related to:

• Geopolitics (historical and contemporary)

• Statecraft and diplomacy

• International strategy

• Security and foreign policy studies

• Global political developments

Preferred Research Themes

Preference may be given to candidates whose research focuses on:

• The Indo-Pacific region

• United Kingdom history and strategy

• Geopolitical competition and international order

• Strategic communication and diplomacy

Key Responsibilities

Selected Postdoctoral Research Associates will:

Research Activities

• Conduct independent, high-quality research in geopolitics and related disciplines.

• Produce scholarly publications and research outputs.

• Contribute to the academic objectives of the Centre for Geopolitics.

Academic Engagement

• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate academic events and workshops.

• Participate in conferences, seminars, and public engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate with international scholars and partner institutions.

Institutional Collaboration

Work closely with institutions participating in the AJI initiative, including:

• Centre for Statecraft and National Security, King's College London

• Centre for Statecraft and Strategic Communication, Stockholm School of Economics

• Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Professional Development

• Develop as an independent researcher within a world-leading academic environment.

• Participate in regular AJI meetings conducted both online and in person.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong academic background with a completed PhD in a relevant discipline.

• Expertise in geopolitics, international relations, diplomacy, strategic studies, history, political science, or related fields.

• Evidence of independent research capability and publication potential.

• Strong analytical, communication, and collaborative skills.

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers:

• A prestigious postdoctoral position at the University of Cambridge.

• Access to an internationally recognized network of scholars and policy experts.

• Opportunities for independent research and publication.

• Collaboration with leading institutions in Europe and North America.

• Professional development within the AJI global research initiative.

Key Highlights

• Organization: University of Cambridge

• Centre: Centre for Geopolitics (CfG), CRASSH

• Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Vacancies: 03

• Duration: 2 Years

• Research Areas: Geopolitics, Statecraft, Diplomacy, Strategy

• Preferred Focus: Indo-Pacific, UK History & Strategy

• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom

• Collaboration Network: King's College London, Stockholm School of Economics, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Researchers with a strong interest in geopolitics, international affairs, diplomacy, and strategic studies are encouraged to apply for these prestigious Postdoctoral Research Associate positions at the University of Cambridge.

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