The University of Cambridge appears keen to appoint an external candidate to the vice-chancellor's post. The current incumbent, Sir Alec Broers, is due to leave in September 2003.
Despite setting up an advisory committee to appoint a new vice-chancellor in March, the official job advertisement in the Cambridge University Reporter , the internal magazine, appeared only last week. The closing date for applications is next Monday.
The university's tardiness in advertising the post is a bad omen for the favoured internal candidate, Malcolm Schofield, professor of ancient philosophy and member of the university council. It is also a disappointing sign for Lord Eatwell, president of Queens' College, who is also said to fancy the job.
Other potential internal candidates include: David Ingram, master of St Catharine's College; Peter Goddard, master of St John's College; Kate Pretty, principal of Homerton College; and Anne Lonsdale, president of New Hall. Pro vice-chancellor Malcolm Grant has reportedly ruled himself out.