The University is ranked in the UK's top two modern UK universities (Times Higher Education ‘Young’ Universities 2018’). Its mission - advancing knowledge, transforming lives - is manifested in the compelling combination of first-class, innovative teaching, clusters of world-class research, and a commitment to widening participation and social inclusion, so that students are supported and encouraged to unlock their true potential.

At the University of Plymouth, it is in our nature to innovate – be that in our teaching or in our research. We strive for the highest quality in all that we do – pushing boundaries isn’t just encouraged, it is expected. 

The University is now seeking to appoint a Head for the School of Biomedical Sciences, reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences. Approachable and visible, the Head of School will bring confident leadership amidst a context of rapid change within the University and the HE sector as a whole.

You will be joining our newly formed Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences launching in 1 September 2019, which positions the School to maximise the difference it makes to our students, staff, University and the communities we serve.   A truly exciting time to lead the School of Biomedical Sciences, building on its existing strengths and developing new and innovative ways of taking the School forward.

With an excellent track record in teaching and research, the School already offers a wide range of highly regarded, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and benefits from recent Investment in state-of-the-art £17 million Derriford Research Facility providing research-intensive environment to investigate cancer; infection immunity and inflammation; and neurodegenerative diseases.

You will already be a consummate professor in your field who is now seeking an opportunity to build on the School’s success to date and lead it forward during a time of change and opportunity.

To be successful you will need to demonstrate both the motivation for and capability in leadership and management.  You will bring with you leadership and management experience and an ability to engage staff, peers and students as you work collaboratively to deliver results.  Your ability to navigate and lead others through change will be critical to the success of the School.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Professor Hisham Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry by email hisham.khalil@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone on 01752 437 401.

Interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing 8th July 2019 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week, the role will be for five years initially, with the potential to extend for a further two years, at which point the successful candidate will move to an appropriate substantive post. 

Closing date:  12 midnight, Wednesday 29 May 2019

The University of Plymouth is committed to equality of opportunity, promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, demonstrated through our commitment to the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and as a Stonewall diversity champion. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce, for example black and minority ethnic groups.

University of Plymouth holds a TEF (Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework) Silver by the Office for Students.

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.