Dean of Medicine

Shape our success

We are seeking a visionary academic leader to join the University of Southampton as Dean of Medicine.

We are currently ranked 87th in the world* and this post is pivotal to advancing our position further. Our University Strategy is built around a distinctive Triple Helix model, harnessing the combined power of our excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise. As Dean you will draw on your academic and leadership experience to shape the next chapter for the Faculty and the wider university.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and inspiring Dean to build on our momentum, champion the achievements of our staff and students, and proactively forge new opportunities on the global stage. You will role model our values and drive our commitment to excellence in all that we do, from providing transformative student experience, to delivering world-class, impactful research and fostering an inclusive community, within and beyond the University.

As the Dean of Faculty, you will help shape the future of Medicine at Southampton. Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a member of the University Executive Board, which advises the President and Vice-Chancellor, you will play a central role in delivering our strategic priorities and ensuring the Faculty continues to lead in addressing critical global healthcare issues with impact and purpose.

Join us

The Faculty of Medicine at Southampton is comprised of five interdisciplinary schools: Cancer Sciences; Clinical and Experimental Sciences; Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation; Human Development and Health, and Primary Care and Population Sciences and Medical Education. It is also home to the Centre for Cancer Immunology and the newly created Institute of Medical Innovation, for which you will play a significant role in fundraising, establishing its state-of-the-art facilities and nurturing its research ecosystem.

Our schools, institutes, and centres are at the forefront of pioneering research, developing innovative solutions to address some of the most pressing global challenges. Through strategic collaborations with the National Health Service (NHS), industry and partners across the University, we drive medical innovation and deliver impactful, real-world outcomes.

Nationally and internationally recognised for excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, the Faculty offers a distinctive academic environment, supporting more than 1400 undergraduate students and a vibrant postgraduate community of over 300 students from exceptionally diverse backgrounds.

About you

You are an accomplished academic leader with a proven track record of excellence in research, education, and knowledge exchange. With significant experience of leading a faculty, school, or similarly complex environment, you bring vision, ambition, and the ability to deliver results in line with institutional goals.

You have the confidence to take difficult decisions and the judgement to know when to act collaboratively, bringing people with you through times of change. Your leadership style is visible, transparent, and inclusive, building trust across staff, students, and stakeholders.

You combine strategic thinking with entrepreneurial flair, ensuring academic and financial sustainability while creating new opportunities for growth. With strong communication skills, you can influence and build relationships at the highest levels, from government and industry to NHS and international partners.

Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to shape the future of the Faculty and the University, fostering a culture of excellence, equality, diversity, and inclusion, while strengthening income generation and enhancing our national and international reputation.

A global and diverse university 

Our people are our university; they are at the heart of everything we do and the impact we make.

We are proud to foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment where students and staff from all walks of life can thrive. Our community is built on mutual respect, core values, and a collective passion for creating an innovative and forward-thinking space for learning and research.

We are nationally recognised for our commitment to equality, and for embedding inclusive practices across the institution. We are proud to be an Athena Swan silver award holder at both faculty and institutional level, a Race Equality Charter bronze award holder, a Disability Confident Leader, and a University Mental Health Charter award holder. We are also proactive members of the Researcher Development Concordat and Technician Commitment. These achievements reflect our dedication to equity, representation, and opportunity for all.

What we can offer you

We support a flexible and supportive working environment, complemented by a competitive benefits package that includes membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), generous annual leave, corporate healthcare, subsidised fitness facilities, and a range of staff discounts. A full overview of our benefits can be found on our Benefits Explained website. For candidates with a clinical background, we will honour relevant NHS conditions, including continued membership of the NHS pension scheme, if applicable.

Southampton is a dynamic, well-connected coastal city with a lively cultural scene and excellent amenities, making it an ideal place to live, work, and thrive at any stage of life or career.

Additional Information

This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for a period of five years, which is extendible up to a maximum of eight years. At the end of this tenure, the successful candidate will return to a substantive Professorial position within the University. For further details, please refer to the attached generic Professor Job Description.

Important dates 

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 14th December 2025. 

Following a long listing meeting of the Search Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual ‘engagement day’ with members of the University on Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Final interviews are currently scheduled to take place in person at the Highfield Campus on Thursday 26^th February 2026.

QS World University Rankings 2026

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial backgrounds, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants who value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated on the job.