Founding Dean of the Rokos School of Government and Rokos Professorship 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.

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.

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.

Above all, this is an opportunity to define what a new School of Government at Cambridge can become: the people it will bring together, the questions it will ask and the ideas it will challenge. It is an opportunity to build an institution capable of making a lasting contribution to government and public leadership around the world.

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.

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 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

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.

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.

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