Reuben College, Oxford, invites applications for the position of President, to succeed Professor Lord Lionel Tarassenko, who will step down as the College’s founding Head in September 2027.
Founded in 2019 as the University of Oxford’s newest college, Reuben College is a distinctive graduate-only institution dedicated to graduate study and interdisciplinary research addressing twenty-first-century global challenges. With a strong emphasis on innovation, public engagement and entrepreneurship, Reuben has established itself as a forward-looking scholarly community and is now entering a pivotal next phase of development as it transitions from start-up to full independence.
The President is the head and chief ambassador for the College, providing intellectual and strategic leadership, chairing the Governing Body, and representing Reuben across the University of Oxford and beyond. The President will be a regular, active presence within the College, engaging closely with Fellows, staff and students, and will promote a culture of intellectual excellence, curiosity and interdisciplinarity while supporting the wellbeing, academic success and personal development of graduate students.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the long-term identity, culture and direction of a young and ambitious college, guiding it towards maturity, academic distinction and financial sustainability, including the securing of a Royal Charter.
The successful candidate will be a highly respected leader with intellectual credibility, strategic vision and inclusive leadership skills. They will bring a strong track record of organisational leadership, relationship-building and fundraising, and the ability to inspire confidence across a diverse academic community. Candidates may come from academia, public service, industry or another relevant field, and will demonstrate a deep commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic freedom and the public value of research.
The role requires a significant presence in Oxford, particularly during University terms, with regular evening and weekend commitments. The appointment will be made for an initial term of five years, renewable by mutual agreement, with a competitive remuneration package.