Head of School of Biosciences

The University of Surrey seeks a Head of School of Biosciences to lead growth and excellence in research-informed education. The role involves strategic leadership across diverse biosciences programs, driving research, teaching, and student experience while fostering external partnerships. Requirements include a strong academic track record in biosciences, proven research leadership, and a compelling vision for the school.

• We are now seeking an exceptional Head of School of Biosciences to lead the School through its next phase of growth, visibility and distinction. This is a key leadership role at a pivotal moment for biosciences, healthcare and translational research in Surrey and across the region.
• Our ambition is to grow the School of Biosciences as a leading centre for research-informed education, discovery and innovation.
• The School brings together activities across biosciences, including food, nutrition and dietetics, infection and sports and exercise sciences, with a whole-society approach to health and wellbeing.
• Its research community addresses major scientific and societal challenges, while its teaching is designed to give students a high-quality, relevant and research-informed education.
• As Head of School, you will sit on the Faculty Executive Board, providing strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes.
• You will drive excellence in teaching, research and student experience, while strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, applied research and commercialisation.
• The School is home to around 180 staff, including academic staff, technical specialists and professional services colleagues.
• Its programme portfolio spans biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical science, food science and nutrition, nutrition, nutrition and dietetics, sport and exercise science, veterinary biosciences, biotechnology, and postgraduate research in biosciences and medicine and quantum biology.
• The School’s facilities provide up-to-date technologies for teaching and research across its fields, including multi-million-pound laboratories fitted with industry-standard equipment.
• Student outcomes and experience are central to the School’s success.
• You will be highly visible across the sector, developing collaborative relationships with research institutes, NHS and healthcare partners, industry, government, charities and other external organisations.
• Through your leadership, you will help position the School at the forefront of biosciences research and education, ensuring that its work responds to emerging scientific, technological and societal challenges.
• The successful post holder will bring a substantial and credible academic track record in biosciences or a closely related discipline, with research expertise that complements the School’s existing strengths.
• You will have proven experience of research leadership, strategic change and partnership development, alongside the academic standing and strategic vision to be a credible and inspirational leader of our team.
• We are looking for an engaging, research-active leader who is committed to fostering a community that is as collegial and inclusive as it is innovative.
• Your dedication to the highest standards of education, research integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion, and student and staff wellbeing will underpin your leadership.
• You will be able to articulate a compelling vision for the School and generate genuine enthusiasm, confidence and buy-in among colleagues, students and partners.