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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant community of scholars and engage in academic and social life.
- Company: Darwin College is a supportive, inclusive postgraduate community at the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for cross-sector engagement and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a prestigious college while addressing global challenges like sustainability and equity.
- Qualifications: Candidates should have a strong academic background and proven collaborative leadership experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 6th October 2025; informal discussions available via email.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Darwin College, founded in 1964, is home to a vibrant and supportive community of around 800 postgraduate students and 70 Fellows. In culture, it is egalitarian, non-hierarchical and inclusive, both intellectually serious and socially relaxed. This highly international College is proud of the rich opportunities it provides for cross-sector collaboration. It hosts the annual Darwin College Lecture Series, which attracts high-profile speakers and large public audiences. Darwin College aspires to be the pre-eminent postgraduate and research-intensive College at the University of Cambridge and to contribute to addressing environmental and societal challenges.
A new Master is sought to succeed Dr Mike Rands who will complete his time in post in Summer 2026. The Master leads the College as a community of self-governing scholars, and acts as its external ambassador. The Master is expected to provide intellectual and strategic leadership and to engage fully in the academic and social life of the College, including convening and supporting events. The post-holder will oversee delivery of the College’s Strategic Plan 2020-2032, and will continue to shape and influence it. They will also commit to securing the philanthropic support upon which the ambitious projects of the College depend.
The College seeks candidates who have a deep understanding of the values and demands of a scholarly environment, who will be committed to academic excellence, and who will bring proven success in collaborative leadership. Candidates must be committed to addressing major global challenges such as inequity, sustainability and health and to engaging with the issues facing a highly diverse body of graduate students. They will demonstrate the confidence and personality to act as an ambassador for the College both within Cambridge and externally.
Further information relating to the opportunity and how to apply is available directly from Minerva via via the button below.
For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact darwin@minervasearch.com. The date for receiving applications, which should be in the form of a CV and cover letter, is Monday 6th October 2025.
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Master employer: Darwin College
Contact Detail:
Darwin College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Master
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Darwin College's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and academic excellence will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current and former members of the College community. Networking with them can provide insights into the culture and expectations, which will be invaluable when you discuss your potential contributions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership experience in collaborative environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led initiatives that address global challenges, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider how you would approach fundraising and securing philanthropic support for the College's projects. Having a clear strategy or examples of past successes in this area will demonstrate your capability as an ambassador.
We think you need these skills to ace Master
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Master position at Darwin College. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and the specific challenges they aim to address.
Craft a Tailored CV: Your CV should highlight your academic achievements, leadership experience, and any relevant collaborations. Make sure to emphasise your commitment to addressing global challenges and your ability to engage with a diverse community.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your experiences align with the College's goals. Discuss your vision for the future of the College and how you plan to contribute to its strategic objectives.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread both your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as these can detract from your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Darwin College
✨Understand the College's Values
Familiarise yourself with Darwin College's egalitarian and inclusive culture. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with these values and how you can contribute to fostering a supportive community.
✨Showcase Collaborative Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experiences in collaborative leadership roles. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in academic or research settings.
✨Engage with Global Challenges
Demonstrate your commitment to addressing major global issues such as sustainability and health. Prepare to discuss your views on these challenges and how they relate to the mission of the College.
✨Prepare for Ambassadorship
As the Master will act as an ambassador for the College, think about how you would represent Darwin College both internally and externally. Be ready to share your vision for promoting the College's values and initiatives to a wider audience.
