Applications are invited for the established post of The Professorship of Engineering (1966). The successful applicant will be based in the Electrical Engineering Division and will contribute to research within the Division’s research theme on multiscale power and energy. The electrification of our energy use in the UK and internationally coupled with our ability to generate electricity sustainably is essential to bring net carbon emissions globally to zero by 2050.There is arguably no greater challenge facing humanity than this, and the University is committed to leading research in this area. It is expected that the holder of this post would conduct world-leading research that contributes to the development of electrical power systems for a net zero carbon future. The individual’s specific research focus could be in one of a diversity of areas including, but not limited to, sustainable electricity generation, electrical energy storage, power electronics, future power distribution networks, energy-efficient IT or electrically powered transport. However, a key feature should be their ability to take a system-level approach to understanding the wider context of their specific research.
As part of the Department of Engineering, the Electrical Engineering Division is within one of the few truly integrated engineering departments in the world. The Department is the largest in the University of Cambridge, and this breadth and scale bring unique advantages, enabling learning and research at the interface between fields where new ideas are often born. The Electrical Division is located on the Cambridge West Campus alongside other globally leading research centres in computer science, physics and materials science as well as a community of entrepreneurs and businesses. It is an environment in which there is an ambition to solve some of the world’s most complex problems, such as the climate crisis.
We are therefore looking to appoint someone who has a strong vision that aligns with the ethos of the Division: to educate the next generation of electrical and electronic engineers who will create the world we all live in in the future; to carry out high impact, world-class research that sets the agenda in the field today; and to convert fundamental research into innovation through a culture of entrepreneurship in its broadest sense.
The University of Cambridge will be advised and supported in this appointment process by their executive search partner Perrett Laver (8315).
Applications should consist of:
The closing date for applications is 11.59pm (BST) on Monday 6th April 2026. For an informal and confidential discussion about this position, please contact Dr Urvashi Ramphul at Perrett Laver via Urvashi.Ramphul@perrettlaver.com.
The Board of Electors will meet soon after the closing date to produce a short list of candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Department to take part in informal meetings with staff, give a short seminar/lecture and attend a formal interview. This process is expected to conclude before the summer.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
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