Professor of Biological Science and Head of Department

Professor Post: Full-Time, Permanent

Head of Department Post: Full-Time, Fixed 5-year term

Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic leader to help shape the next chapter of a vibrant, ambitious, and internationally recognised department.

The Department of Biological Sciences is home to more than 30 academic colleagues, supported by a thriving community of postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students. Our research addresses global challenges across four interconnected themes:

• Healthy Ageing and Molecular Medicine,
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services,
• Sustainable Engineering and Food Security,
• Data and Technology Resources.

Our teams are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics platforms. Located on our biodiverse parkland campus with excellent access to London, the department offers an inspiring environment for interdisciplinary research, innovative education, and strong collaboration with external partners across academia, healthcare, and industry.

As Head of Department, you will translate the ambitions of RH2030s into clear, actionable departmental plans. You will lead their delivery and be responsible for the department’s academic direction, financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and overall success. You will also be accountable for effective resource allocation, workforce planning and ensuring the department’s long-term financial sustainability in line with University priorities.

Working closely with colleagues, you will ensure meaningful contributions to the University’s Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and Strategic Action Plans.

You will shape the department's disciplinary identity and future development in partnership with academic colleagues and Professional Service teams, ensuring that the department’s values, priorities and operating approach are aligned with our vision to be a University of Social Purpose. You will also lead the effective planning, resource allocation and operational management, creating the conditions for innovation and excellence in research, education and student experience and outcomes. This includes oversight of student recruitment planning, promoting active student engagement and supporting continuous improvement informed by feedback such as NSS outcomes.

You will ensure the department is fully prepared for external assessments including REF, TEF and KEF, working in close partnership with the Faculty Dean and Associate Deans.

You will foster a culture that reflects our mission - championing inclusion, belonging and a supportive environment for colleagues and students alike. You will provide clear, values‑led leadership and support the development, performance and wellbeing of academic staff, encouraging excellence, collaboration and accountability. As a part of the Faculty Executive, you will help strengthen collaboration across the Faculty of Science and maximise opportunities arising from the University’s new academic structures.

You will also ensure the Department operates in line with University policies and regulatory requirements, maintaining high standards of compliance in areas such as health and safety, ethics, data governance and codes of practice.

This role represents a significant opportunity within one of the University’s newly established departments, offering the chance to create the conditions for exceptional performance across research, education, and external engagement.

Who we are looking for

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong track record of leadership within higher education (e.g., prior head of department experience or equivalent).
• Excellence in research, evidenced by a world-class publication record and successful grant capture.
• A commitment to high-quality education and student experience.
• Expertise that either complements or strengthens one of our existing areas of strength in research.

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