Head of School

This role will provide an exciting opportunity to join the leadership team of a Russell Group University and to innovate in highly successful education and research programmes across the breadth of the Biological Sciences, also encompassing agriculture, food and sustainable development. The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences (MHLS) has exceptional performance in external assessments of esteem and is responsible for significant new investment in infrastructure through the Belfast Regional City Deal which has a major focus on Health and Life Sciences.

The School of Biological Sciences (SBS) has over 220 staff and 1400 students. It was ranked Number 1 in REF 2021 for Agriculture, Food & Veterinary Sciences with 94% of research classified as world leading or internationally excellent. SBS is also ranked 1st in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry, 1st for Food Science, 10th for Animal Science and 15th for Biological Sciences in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2025. The School holds an Athena SWAN Gold award for its sustained commitment to gender equality.

In this role, you will report to the Pro-Vice Chancellor MHLS and will play a key role in providing effective academic leadership and management of the School of Biological Sciences. You will ensure that SBS continues to grow and drive forward from its current position of excellence as well as providing strategic direction to wider interdisciplinary opportunities across MHLS and the other University Faculties.

Supported by a Deputy Head of School and working alongside the Director of the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS), you will lead the School Leadership Team which has responsibility for the development and implementation of the School’s strategic priorities in education, research, innovation and internationalisation, which are aligned to Faculty and University strategy. The School Manager and a professional services support team will provide comprehensive operational support. You will also represent SBS, the Faculty and QUB locally, nationally and internationally and carry significant accountability for providing a coherent academic vision and direction for SBS as well as responsibility for financial sustainability and for the School’s academic staff and student body.

About the person:

The essential qualifications and experience requirements are shown below, however, please refer to the candidate information for the full essential and desirable criteria for the post.

• A degree and postgraduate doctorate (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
• Evidence of high-quality delivery of education and/or research and innovation at a senior level in an academic institution with a strong academic record and a recognised research or professional profile in one of the disciplines represented within the School.
• Successful track record of academic leadership, team building and performance management with a leadership style that engenders a positive collaborative culture.
• Sustained record of having a major contribution and leading in successful bids for competitive, peer-reviewed national or international grants or other awards as Principal Investigator, as appropriate to the discipline • An established record of impactful teaching.
• Demonstrable alignment with Queen’s core values to enhance the reputation and performance of Queen's in local, regional, national, and international settings.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.

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