The University of Aberdeen has begun a search to recruit the successor to Professor C Duncan Rice whose term of office is due to conclude in September 2010.
Professor Rice is one of Scotland's longest-serving university principals and will have led the University of Aberdeen for 14 years when he leaves at the end of September 2010.
The University Court has established a committee to oversee the search for a new Principal and Vice Chancellor, which will be convened by Sir Don Cruickshank, lay member of the Court.
As part of the search recruitment consultants Saxon Bampfylde have been appointed and an advertisement has been placed in this week's Times Higher Educational Supplement. Staff and wider members of the University community are invited to nominate individuals for consideration.
Sir Don Cruickshank said: "Under the inspirational leadership of Duncan Rice, the University of Aberdeen has experienced a transformation in its competitive position and recorded many remarkable achievements.
"We want to secure an outstanding successor who can build on these achievements and to make the next step change in the University's competitive position that will see it become one of the truly great international universities.
"We have begun our search early to allow time for a thorough search and to ensure that we secure the right individual for this prestigious role."
Candidates will require a distinguished academic record of international significance, be committed to the values of a world-leading research-led university and have significant experience of working in a complex organisation at a senior level. They must also be capable of representing the University externally and be committed to extending its fundraising activities.
ENDS