How to Apply to University of Cambridge

8 min read Last updated April 20, 2026 1 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • Cambridge uses a bespoke in-house recruitment system (not a commercial ATS like Workday or Greenhouse). Applications are submitted through hrsystems.admin.cam.ac.uk/recruit-ui, which requires registration and accepts PDF uploads only.
  • Every job advert includes a 'Further Information' document containing the Person Specification, which is the single most important document for your application. Structure your suitability statement directly around the criteria listed in this specification.
  • The university employs approximately 13,000 staff and was named the UK's top employer in the Financial Times' Best Employers 2026 survey. Competition for positions is intense, particularly for academic and research roles.
  • Three categories of vacancy exist: Academic (lecturers, professors), Research (postdocs, research associates/assistants), and Professional Services (administrative, technical, operational). Each has distinct application requirements and interview formats.
  • College fellowships accompany many academic positions, meaning you may need to impress both a departmental panel and a college community. Prepare for potentially two separate interview stages.
  • Cambridge is a Real Living Wage employer offering generous benefits including up to 41 days annual leave, sector-leading parental leave (26 weeks full pay maternity, 12 weeks full pay paternity), university nurseries, and multiple pension schemes.
  • International applicants are actively welcomed. The university provides visa and immigration support, accommodation assistance, and relocation services. Right to work in the UK is verified but the university sponsors skilled worker visas for eligible roles.
  • Speculative applications are not accepted. You must apply through the online system for a specific advertised vacancy. However, you can subscribe to weekly email alerts about new vacancies on the careers portal.
  • Applications cannot be modified after submission. If you anticipate changes to your details before the closing date, delay your submission. Technical issues with the online system should be directed to [email protected].

About University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranking among the top institutions globally for teaching and research. With over 800 years of history, Cambridge has been home to some of the greatest minds in human history, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Francis Crick and James Watson, Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Stephen Hawking. The university's alumni include 126 Nobel Prize laureates, 47 heads of state, and 217 Olympic medallists, a testament to its extraordinary culture of intellectual excellence and innovation. Cambridge employs approximately 13,000 staff across its central university departments and 31 autonomous colleges, making it one of the largest employers in the East of England. The workforce spans three broad categories: academic staff (lecturers, professors, and directors), research staff (postdoctoral researchers, research associates, and research assistants), and professional services staff (administrative, technical, library, IT, finance, and operational support roles). The university also operates a Temporary Employment Service (TES) that provides short-term staffing across departments. The university sits at the heart of the Cambridge technology cluster, the largest in Europe, generating nearly 30 billion pounds annually for the UK economy. This ecosystem of spin-outs, start-ups, and research partnerships creates a uniquely dynamic environment where academic research meets real-world application. Cambridge University Press and Assessment, established in 1534, is the world's oldest publishing house and a major division of the university. Named as the UK's top employer in the Financial Times' Best Employers list for 2026, Cambridge is recognised not only for its academic prestige but also for the quality of its working environment, benefits, and commitment to inclusivity. The university is a Real Living Wage accredited employer and a member of the Disability Confident scheme, actively fostering equality and diversity across all its operations. The university is the fourth oldest in the world and continues to shape global discourse across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Browse vacancies on the University of Cambridge jobs portal (cam

    Browse vacancies on the University of Cambridge jobs portal (cam.ac.uk/jobs) by category: Academic, Research, Professional Services, Professorships and Directorships, or Studentships. College and affiliated institution vacancies are listed separately as they are independent employers.

  2. 2
    Register for an account on the university's bespoke recruitment system (hrsystem

    Register for an account on the university's bespoke recruitment system (hrsystems.admin.cam.ac.uk/recruit-ui) by entering your email address. This is required before you can submit any application.

  3. 3
    Review the job advert carefully, noting the salary band, closing date, reference

    Review the job advert carefully, noting the salary band, closing date, reference number, and the attached 'Further Information' document which contains the full Person Specification and role details. Contact the named person in the advert if you have questions.

  4. 4
    Complete the online application form, which includes sections for education hist

    Complete the online application form, which includes sections for education history (list all qualifications), career history (in reverse chronological order with employer, title, dates, key duties, and reason for leaving), and a suitability statement acting as your cover letter.

  5. 5
    Upload required documents in PDF format only (maximum 5 files per application)

    Upload required documents in PDF format only (maximum 5 files per application). Typically this includes a CV and covering letter. Ensure files are not password-protected, contain no macros, and are not read-only. Only upload documents specifically requested in the advert.

  6. 6
    Provide referee details: three referees for academic and research roles, at leas

    Provide referee details: three referees for academic and research roles, at least two for professional services roles (one must be your current or most recent employer). Indicate when each referee may be contacted during the process.

  7. 7
    Review your complete application on the summary page, checking all sections are

    Review your complete application on the summary page, checking all sections are complete (incomplete sections are marked with an asterisk), then submit. Note that applications cannot be modified after submission, so delay submitting if details may change before the closing date.

Resume Tips for University of Cambridge

recommended

Format your CV as a clean, well-structured PDF

Format your CV as a clean, well-structured PDF. The Cambridge recruitment system only accepts PDF uploads, and any other file formats will be rejected. Avoid password protection, macros, or read-only settings on your documents.

recommended

List your complete educational history, including qualifications not directly re

List your complete educational history, including qualifications not directly related to the role. For overseas qualifications, reference UK NARIC equivalencies to help the panel understand your credentials in the British academic framework.

recommended

Present your career history in reverse chronological order, including voluntary

Present your career history in reverse chronological order, including voluntary roles and work experience. For each position, include the employer name, job title, start and end dates, key responsibilities and achievements, and your reason for leaving.

recommended

Address every criterion in the Person Specification within your suitability stat

Address every criterion in the Person Specification within your suitability statement. Provide specific examples from your work, education, or other experience that demonstrate each required skill and attribute. Do not simply copy the specification without adding your own evidence.

recommended

Keep your suitability statement (cover letter section) concise: a maximum of two

Keep your suitability statement (cover letter section) concise: a maximum of two A4 sides is recommended by Cambridge. Focus on quality of evidence rather than quantity of text, and highlight transferable skills if you are changing career direction.

recommended

For academic and research roles, include a full publication list, details of gra

For academic and research roles, include a full publication list, details of grants secured, teaching experience, and evidence of research impact. Cambridge values intellectual autonomy and interdisciplinary collaboration, so highlight experience working across disciplines.

recommended

Reference the specific vacancy reference number (e

Reference the specific vacancy reference number (e.g., RC46608) in your covering letter and all correspondence. Mention any significant gaps in employment, such as travel, unemployment, or voluntary work, as the application form requires this explanation.

recommended

Tailor your application to the specific department and role

Tailor your application to the specific department and role. Cambridge has over 150 departments and institutes, each with distinct research cultures. Demonstrating knowledge of the department's current research priorities and how your work aligns will significantly strengthen your application.

ATS System: Cambridge Recruit-UI (Bespoke)

The University of Cambridge operates a custom-built, in-house recruitment system hosted at hrsystems.admin.cam.ac.uk/recruit-ui. This is not a commercial ATS product. The system requires candidates to register with an email address, then complete structured application forms covering education history, career history, a suitability statement (serving as a cover letter), and referee details. Document uploads are restricted to PDF format only, with a maximum of five files per application. The system provides a summary review page before final submission, after which no changes can be made.

  • Register early on the recruit-ui system to familiarise yourself with the interface before the closing date
  • Only PDF uploads are accepted — convert Word documents before uploading
  • Maximum 5 files per application — only upload documents specifically requested in the advert
  • The suitability statement field is your cover letter — address every Person Specification criterion with evidence
  • Applications are locked after submission — delay submitting if details may change
  • Always quote the vacancy reference number (e.g., RC46608) in your application and correspondence
  • Contact [email protected] for any technical difficulties with the system

Complete Cambridge Recruit-UI (Bespoke) Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

The University of Cambridge takes a structured, competency-based approach to interviews that reflects its commitment to inclusive recruitment and academic rigour.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, Cambridge ensures fair treatment throughout the process and makes reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities. The university does not share any information about candidates' protected characteristics with recruiting panels, maintaining a focus on merit and demonstrated capability. For academic and research positions, interviews are typically conducted by a panel drawn from the relevant department, often including senior academics, the head of department or a deputy, and sometimes external assessors. Candidates for academic lectureships and professorships may be asked to deliver a research presentation or seminar, followed by questions from the panel. This presentation is a critical component where the panel assesses not only the quality of your research but your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engage with challenging questions. Research positions may also involve a discussion of your proposed research programme and how it complements the department's existing strengths. Professional services interviews tend to follow a more conventional competency-based format, with structured questions designed around the Person Specification criteria. Candidates should prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) that demonstrate relevant skills and experience. Some roles may include practical assessments, written exercises, or presentations depending on the nature of the position. The collegiate structure of Cambridge adds a distinctive dimension to academic recruitment. Many academic posts carry a college fellowship, meaning candidates may face a separate interview or meeting with the relevant college in addition to the departmental interview. College interviews are typically more informal and social in nature, assessing whether a candidate will be a good fit for the college community and contribute to its intellectual and social life. International candidates should note that Cambridge actively welcomes global talent and provides extensive support for visa processes, relocation, and settling into the city. The overall interview culture values intellectual curiosity, evidence of independent thinking, a collaborative disposition, and genuine enthusiasm for contributing to Cambridge's research and teaching mission.

What University of Cambridge Looks For

  • Demonstrated excellence in your field, whether academic research, professional expertise, or technical skill. Cambridge consistently ranks among the world's top universities and seeks staff who can contribute at the highest international level.
  • Evidence of intellectual curiosity and independent thinking. The university values academic autonomy and freedom of thought, and candidates who show initiative in pursuing original ideas and challenging established thinking stand out.
  • Collaborative disposition and ability to work across disciplines. Cambridge's 31-college structure and 150+ departments create unique opportunities for interdisciplinary work, and the university prizes candidates who can forge connections across fields.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Whether teaching undergraduates, presenting research, writing grant proposals, or coordinating administrative projects, clarity and precision in communication are essential at Cambridge.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Cambridge actively fosters an inclusive working environment and values candidates who demonstrate sensitivity to diverse perspectives and a track record of supporting inclusive practices.
  • Alignment with the university's mission of contributing to society through education, learning, and research at the highest levels. Candidates should articulate how their work creates broader impact beyond the immediate role.
  • For academic and research roles: a strong publication record, evidence of successful grant capture, and a clear vision for future research that complements departmental strengths.
  • For professional services roles: relevant professional qualifications, demonstrable experience in higher education or comparable complex organisations, and the ability to support the university's academic mission through excellent operational delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ATS or recruitment system does the University of Cambridge use?
Cambridge uses a bespoke, in-house recruitment system hosted at hrsystems.admin.cam.ac.uk/recruit-ui. It is not a commercial ATS like Workday, Greenhouse, or iCIMS. You need to register with your email address to create an account before applying. The system accepts PDF file uploads only and includes structured sections for education, career history, suitability statements, and referee details.
What file format should my CV and cover letter be in when applying to Cambridge?
All uploaded documents must be in PDF format. The system will not accept Word documents, images, or other file types. Ensure your PDFs are not password-protected, do not contain macros or executable code, and are not read-only files. You may upload a maximum of five files per application.
How many referees do I need for a Cambridge application?
Academic and research roles require three referees. Professional services roles require at least two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. You cannot list relatives or friends unless they have employed you and you have no other previous employers. You can specify when each referee may be contacted: at any point, after interview invitation, or after accepting a conditional offer.
Does Cambridge sponsor work visas for international applicants?
Yes, the University of Cambridge actively welcomes international talent and sponsors skilled worker visas for eligible roles. The university has a dedicated team that assists with visa applications, immigration advice, and right-to-work verification. They also provide relocation support including accommodation guidance and settling-in assistance for candidates moving to Cambridge from abroad.
What is the difference between University jobs and College jobs at Cambridge?
University jobs are positions within the central university departments, faculties, and administrative divisions. College jobs are positions within the 31 autonomous colleges, which are independent institutions that appoint their own staff on their own terms and conditions. College vacancies are listed separately on the Cambridge jobs portal and have their own application processes.
Can I submit a speculative application to Cambridge?
No, the University of Cambridge does not accept speculative applications for employment. You must apply for a specific advertised vacancy through the online recruitment system. However, you can subscribe to weekly email alerts about new vacancies to stay informed about opportunities as they arise. Work experience and volunteering opportunities are available through separate channels.
What salary and benefits does Cambridge offer?
Cambridge is a Real Living Wage accredited employer offering competitive salaries with annual increments and cost-of-living increases. Benefits include up to 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) for non-academic staff, 28+ days for academic staff, generous pension schemes, 26 weeks full-pay maternity leave, 12 weeks full-pay paternity leave, hybrid working options, university nurseries, employee discounts, and access to college facilities including Kings College Chapel.
What is the Person Specification and why is it important?
The Person Specification is a document attached to each vacancy within the 'Further Information' download. It lists the essential and desirable criteria (skills, qualifications, experience) that the selection panel will assess candidates against. Your suitability statement should directly address each criterion with specific examples from your experience. Candidates who fail to reference the Person Specification significantly reduce their chances of being shortlisted.
How long does the Cambridge recruitment process take?
Cambridge will contact candidates to confirm the outcome of their application shortly after the closing date. For academic and research roles, the process can take several weeks to months, particularly for professorial appointments which may involve external assessors, departmental panels, and separate college interviews. Professional services roles typically have a faster turnaround. The university communicates outcomes through the online recruitment system.
What types of roles are available at Cambridge?
Cambridge advertises across five main categories: Academic vacancies (lecturers, professors, teaching associates), Research vacancies (postdoctoral researchers, research associates and assistants), Professional Services vacancies (IT, finance, administration, HR, marketing, estates, library), Professorships and Directorships (senior leadership positions), and Studentships (funded PhD and research student opportunities). The university also operates a Temporary Employment Service for short-term roles.

Open Positions

University of Cambridge currently has 1 open positions.

Check Your Resume Before Applying → View 1 open positions at University of Cambridge

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