Rhodes Professorship of the Laws of the British Commonwealth and the United States

The Faculty of Law, University of Oxford and Pembroke College, Oxford are seeking applications for the Rhodes Professorship of the Laws of the British Commonwealth and the United States, with a view to make an appointment to the post with effect from 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Rhodes Professorship was established to foster outstanding teaching and scholarship in the Laws of the British Commonwealth and the United States. The new Rhodes Professor will have a leading role to play in the future of legal studies in common law jurisdictions, both in the University and worldwide. We are seeking a scholar who will maintain and take forward a tradition of outstanding scholarship in the laws of common law countries, reflecting the continuing global influence of the common law and its interaction with other legal traditions.

You will be required to provide high-level academic leadership in Oxford in the study of the laws of common law countries. You will lead the development of pioneering concepts and/or methodologies to open up new avenues of research and intellectual understanding, collaborating with colleagues across the University to enhance interdisciplinary research and teaching. You will lead a programme of original research at international level and will be expected to prepare funding applications for your own research and to support junior colleagues in this activity. You will design and teach innovative curricula at the post-graduate level that complement existing degree programmes, supervise postgraduate research students, and contribute to the Faculty’s teaching provision at all levels, including by examining. As a Professorial Fellow of Pembroke College, you will serve as a member of the Governing Body and a trustee of the College.

You should have an outstanding record of internationally recognised scholarship in the laws of common law countries and an excellent publication record indicating the potential to produce further significant work during the tenure of the chair. In addition to excellence in research, teaching and supervision, you should have the intellectual leadership skills to support colleagues and to foster outstanding research and teaching at all levels.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity and to fostering an inclusive academic community. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit, with the ability to perform the duties of the post as the primary consideration.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon UK time on Wednesday 8 April 2026. Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 9 July 2026.

Informal enquiries are welcome and may be made in strict confidence to Professor Ben McFarlane (ben.mcfarlane@law.ox.ac.uk). Enquiries about the application process may be addressed to the Senior Appointments Team (professorships@admin.ox.ac.uk).

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