Head of School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

The University of Leeds was established in 1904 and is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK. It is renowned globally for the quality of its education and research across a huge breadth of disciplines. Whilst academic excellence is key, this sits within an ethical framework that is informed by a strong values-set. It is a member of the Russell Group and one of the UK’s top ten research institutions.

The School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability (formerly known as the School of Earth and Environment) currently sits within the Faculty of the Environment. From September 2026, the School will be one of eight schools in the Faculty of Environment and Social Sciences, which will be a new faculty in the University comprising the current Faculty of Environment and Faculty of Social Sciences.

The School is a large and prominent academic group with a vision “to be a world-leading centre for high impact research and education in all areas of the earth and environment”.

The School has five institutes that are academic homes for staff and PGR students:

• Sustainability Research Institute
• Earth Surface Science Institute
• Institute of Applied Geoscience
• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
• Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science

Each institute hosts academics, PGR students, several research clusters, active seminar series and social events. Research and student education are carried out within these entities, but there is also a tremendous amount of work that is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges.

The School performs extremely well on the world stage, as evidenced by exceptional performance in international rankings at the subject specific level. For example, in the QS World Subject Rankings 2025, the School is placed at 20th for Earth and Marine Sciences, 59th for Environmental Sciences, 15^th for Geology and 14^th for Geophysics.

The incoming Head of School will lead and manage the School, maximising strategic opportunities arising from the changing landscape of higher education and the University’s strategic plan, whilst leading and delivering excellence in research and education. In addition, they will be an active member of the University’s Leadership Forum and the Faculty Executive Team thereby promoting a coordinated approach to delivering innovative strategic academic development. This is a significant and complex leadership role in the Faculty, and candidates must possess a clear vision that will engage others across the School, Faculty and University.

This requires individuals to thrive on working collaboratively in a busy and dynamic environment in order to enhance the reputation of the School. Academic credibility is essential, so a sustained track record of excellence in research and/or student education, combined with excellent skills in team working and collaboration are a must.

How to apply

To apply for the role, please submit:

• A supporting statement (no more than 3 sides of A4) providing your vision for the School and how your knowledge and expertise equip you to carry out the role set out in the role profile.
• A curriculum vitae, detailing your qualifications, experience and most recent publications.

For an informal, confidential discussion, please contact Professor Paul Johnson, Executive Dean Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences p.j.johnson1@leeds.ac.uk

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