Head of School of Psychology

This is an exciting time to be joining the University of Birmingham. Ranked among the world's top 100 universities with an ambitious 2030 strategy to become a global top 50 institution, Birmingham has the scale and ambition to deliver transformational change, with over 9,000 staff and 41,000 students across our historic Edgbaston campus and expanding Dubai presence. Over 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent; our five research themes focus on a thriving planet, life-changing technologies, connecting cultures, global health, and a fairer world.  

As the largest discipline within the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, the School of Psychology is one of the largest psychology units in the UK. The School delivers excellent research, impact, education, and training that benefits physical and mental health and wellbeing for individuals and societies. Comprising a growing community of 85 academic staff and 1,300 students, the School is host to three key research clusters: the Institute for Mental Health, the Centre for Human Brain Health, and the Centre for Developmental Science, alongside significant research expertise in crime, policing, and justice. The School has a strong interdisciplinary ethos, buoyant research grant capture, and extensive national and international collaborations with high-performing research partners and key stakeholders, cultivating research and education pipelines that lead to meaningful improvements in national and international policy and practice. 

The next Head of the School of Psychology will lead the School forward as it grows its community, reputation, and impact, formulating and realising a vision for the School’s continued excellence in education, research, student engagement, and other outcomes in line with the Birmingham 2030 Strategy, to which the School will make a leading contribution. As a member of the Board of the College of Life and Environmental Sciences, the Head of School will report to the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College and is responsible for the delivery of the academic, financial, and people management of the School, as well as leading the School’s Senior Management Team.

The Head of School will have proven leadership and management credentials with an inclusive, collaborative approach, academic credibility among peers, and will be able to build positive relationships internally and externally.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please visit https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference number 7958. 

For informal inquiries please contact Lucy Roper at Lucy.Roper@perrettlaver.com or at +44 (0)20 3928 7358.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 6^th August at 23:59 BST 2025.

Salary: Competitive for an outstanding candidate.

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