Assistant Professor (Programme Lead in Autism and Early Development)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for an outstanding Assistant Research Professor to lead the Autism and Early Development Research Programme within the KLY Centre. The role focuses on establishing an internationally recognised program that investigates how prenatal, perinatal, genetic, biological and environmental factors contribute to autism and related neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The post holder will provide scientific leadership, supervise postdoctoral researchers, forge

Qualifications

• PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or closely related discipline.
• Strong track record of internationally recognised research in prenatal endocrinology and perinatal neurodevelopment.
• Excellent publication record for career stage.
• Evidence of obtaining competitive external research funding.
• Experience leading longitudinal, cohort, clinical, developmental or population studies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for the Autism and Early Development Research Programme.
• Supervise postdoctoral researchers, develop collaborations, and lead grant development.
• Shape the scientific direction of the programme and align with the Centre's goals.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Analytical skills

Leadership

Research planning

Education

PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field

Job description

The newly created K. Lisa Yang (KLY) Centre for Autism Research at Cambridge seeks to appoint an outstanding Assistant Research Professor (Grade 9) to lead the Autism and Early Development Research Programme within the KLY Centre.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious researcher to establish and develop an internationally recognised programme of research focused on autism and early development, investigating how prenatal, perinatal, genetic, biological and environmental factors contribute to autism and related neurodevelopmental outcomes. Working across large-scale population registers and birth cohorts in the UK, Sweden, Israel, Norway and Denmark, the postholder will help integrate genetic, clinical, epidemiological, biomarker and early developmental data to develop innovative autism likelihood scores that can support earlier identification and intervention. The programme combines cutting‑edge population health research, machine learning, developmental neuroscience and translational science, with the ultimate goal of improving the early detection of autism and ensuring that children and families can access assessment, diagnosis and support at the earliest possible stage. The successful candidate will work within a highly collaborative international network and contribute to research with both fundamental scientific importance and clear potential for real‑world clinical impact. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the scientific direction of the programme and develop innovative lines of enquiry aligned with the strategic goals of the KLY Centre.

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership for the Autism and Early Development Research Programme and contribute to the strategic development of the KLY Centre. As part of the leadership role, they will supervise postdoctoral researchers, develop collaborations, and lead grant development.

Eligible applicants should have

• a PhD in Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Child Development, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a closely related discipline
• have a strong track record of internationally recognised research in prenatal endocrinology and perinatal neurodevelopment
• an excellent publication record commensurate with career stage
• evidence of obtaining competitive external research funding
• strong quantitative, methodological and analytical skills
• Experience in leading longitudinal, cohort, clinical, developmental or population-based studies is desirable.

The K. Lisa Yang Centre for Autism Research at Cambridge is part of the global Yang Tan Collective, alongside sister centres at Harvard and MIT. The Centre is closely linked to the Autism Research Centre (ARC) in Cambridge (see www.autismresearchcentre.com) and contributes to a collaborative international effort to accelerate discovery and translation in autism research.

For more information, email Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the ARC and the KLY Centre, on [e-mail]

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is: 18th October 2026

The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed

Please quote reference RN51294 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.