Head of Department - Social and Policy Sciences

The University of Bath is seeking its next Head of Department of Social and Policy Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven academic leader to join a strong and vibrant multi-disciplinary department with globally recognised research strengths across a broad range of social science disciplines, reflected in its top ten position in REF2014 and REF2021.

The Department of Social and Policy Sciences is home to a diverse group of academics with a shared commitment to producing policy-relevant, impactful social science research. The department offers a wide range of teaching programmes in social policy, sociology, social work, international development and criminology.

The University of Bath is a triple top-10 ranking University in the UK, well known for its excellence in both research and education. It is presently the Times and Sunday Times’ University of the Year 2023, the second time it has had this accolade in a decade. For two years running, the University has been ranked top in England in National Student Survey (NSS) results. In terms of research, ‘research with impact’ is the key driver which underpins the University Strategy. The University is located in the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a very special place to live and work.

We are seeking a collegiate and collaborative leader to take the department’s high quality research and its top-ranked student experience to the next level. We are looking for someone who has an international reputation at Professorial level with an outstanding research and education track-record aligned with the department’s strengths, alongside proven experience leading an academic department/school, division or large research group.

This is an exciting time to take up this role. You will be working closely with the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Deborah Wilson, as a member of her Senior Leadership Team to shape a five-year departmental plan and Faculty strategy that aligns with the University strategy and maximises the opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This is a permanent employment post. The Head of Department term of office will be three to five years, as agreed with the successful applicant.

The department has recently been awarded its Bronze Athena SWAN award, reflecting its deep commitment to gender equality and intersectionality. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, proud to be a disability confident leader and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require. 

For more information about this role, please contact Maliha.Ahmed@gatenbysanderson.com or Sophie.Hester@gatenbysanderson.com who are managing this vacancy on our behalf.

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