University of Cambridge
Founding Dean of the Rokos School of Government and Rokos Professorship of Government
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Founding Dean of the Rokos School of Government
The University of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional academic leader to become the founding Dean of the Rokos School of Government, alongside appointment to the Rokos Professorship of Government.
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape a major new academic institution from its inception. At a time of profound change in government and public leadership, the School will bring together outstanding scholars and practitioners from across disciplines to address some of the most complex challenges facing governments and societies around the world.
Role Overview
The founding Dean will shape the School's academic vision, culture, and international reputation. They will build an outstanding interdisciplinary academic community, determine its research and educational priorities, and develop relationships across Cambridge and with governments, policymakers, international organisations, civil society, business, and philanthropy.
Central to the School's identity will be intellectual openness and independence. It will provide a space in which different and sometimes conflicting perspectives can be examined with rigour. The Dean will require the intellectual authority, independence, and judgement to uphold the highest academic standards while enabling serious debate around complex and contested questions.
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Candidate Profile
We are seeking an individual of outstanding academic distinction and international standing. Candidates may come from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. Alongside an exceptional record of scholarship and research impact, they will bring the imagination and ambition to build something new, the ability to attract and inspire outstanding people, and the judgement and resilience to lead in a complex and highly visible environment.
The successful candidate will be an influential and persuasive communicator, able to engage credibly with academic, governmental, and wider public audiences. Experience of government, public policy, international affairs, diplomacy, industry, or other relevant external environments would be welcomed, but no single professional or disciplinary background is prescribed. A PhD or equivalent postgraduate qualification is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Define the academic vision, culture, and international reputation of the School.
- Build an outstanding interdisciplinary academic community.
- Determine research and educational priorities.
- Develop relationships across Cambridge and with external entities.
Appointment Details
The Deanship is a five-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of renewal. The successful candidate will also hold the Rokos Professorship of Government, which may be held to retiring age.
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The appointment is anticipated to commence in October 2027. The role will be based in Cambridge, and remuneration will reflect the credentials and seniority of the successful candidate.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Applications, including a letter, CV, research statement, publication list, and three referees, must be submitted online by Monday 26 October 2026. For queries about the application process please contact Human Resources at professorships@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Informal queries should be directed to Professor Nigel Peake, Convenor of the Board: np100@cam.ac.uk; and Dr Elisabeth Kendall, Mistress of Girton College: mistress.office@girton.cam.ac.uk.
Please quote reference 50944 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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