Head, School of Science

Employment Type: Full-time, 5-year leadership appointment

Location: UNSW Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Campus, Canberra ACT 

About us

UNSW Canberra is a unique national institution, combining world-class education and research with strong partnerships across Defence, government and industry. Located at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), we are committed to developing future leaders through outstanding teaching, innovative research and meaningful societal impact. With nearly 60 years of collaboration with the Australian Defence Force, UNSW Canberra provides a distinctive environment where academic excellence meets real-world impact.

The School of Science at UNSW Canberra is home to a vibrant community of internationally recognised researchers, educators and professional staff dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The School delivers excellence across the disciplines of chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography, oceanography and aviation, and is recognised for research in twelve key themes including: applied and industrial mathematics, behavioural science, experimental and theoretical chemistry, condensed matter physics, oceanography and climate, cultural and physical geography, aviation, water quality, number theory, and bushfire science. Through cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong partnerships with Defence, government, industry and international research organisations, the School provides an exceptional environment for research, education and innovation with impact at national and global levels.

To learn more about the School of Science, please visit the UNSW Canberra School of Science website. 

Why Your Role Matters

The Head of School provides strategic, academic and operational leadership for the School of Science, ensuring excellence across research, education, people leadership and external engagement. Working closely with our Rector, UNSW Canberra, the Head of School is a key member of the Faculty Executive and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the School and contributing to the University's strategic ambitions.

Leading a diverse academic community, the Head of School will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and inclusion while strengthening the School's national and international reputation. The role is responsible for delivering outstanding research performance, an exceptional student experience, strong financial stewardship and meaningful engagement with Defence, government, industry and research partners.

A continuing academic appointment may be negotiated for an outstanding candidate with the appropriate academic standing and experience. 

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities for this role include (but are not limited to):

Leadership

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the School aligned with the priorities of UNSW Canberra and the University's strategic plan.
• Inspire and lead a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive academic culture that supports excellence in teaching, research and engagement.
• Champion innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous improvement across the School.

Academic Leadership

• Drive research excellence and increase the School's national and international profile.
• Lead initiatives that enhance education quality, student success and curriculum innovation.
• Foster productive collaborations with Defence, government, industry and international partners.

People Leadership

• Lead the recruitment, development, mentoring and performance of academic and professional staff within the School of Science.
• Build leadership capability across the School through effective succession planning and talent development.
• Promote a culture that values diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and respectful behaviours.

Strategic & Operational Management

• Oversee the School's financial, workforce and operational planning.
• Ensure effective governance, compliance and implementation of University policies.
• Maintain oversight of Work Health and Safety responsibilities and the effective management of School resources and facilities. 

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will bring:

• An outstanding academic record with an international reputation in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading complex academic organisations or significant research and education portfolios.
• A proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional people leadership skills with the ability to inspire, engage and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience managing organisational change and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience building successful partnerships across universities, government, Defence, industry or the broader research sector. 

To learn more about this position and view the comprehensive skills and selection criteria, please refer to the Position Description. 

Benefits and Culture

At UNSW, our people are at the centre of everything we do. We recognise that our staff are fundamental to achieving our mission of improving lives through excellence in education and research.

Our benefits include:

• Flexible working options where operationally appropriate
• Ongoing leadership and professional development opportunities
• 17% employer superannuation
• Additional three days of leave over the Christmas period
• Access to a wide range of staff discounts and wellbeing initiatives
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace committed to excellence 

How to Apply

Make each day matter with a meaningful leadership career at UNSW.

Please submit your application, consisting of:

• A current resume; and
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership capability and vision align with this opportunity.

Applications close: Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:30pm (Canberra ACT time). 

As part of our recruitment process candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which will include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. 

Get in Touch

For confidential enquiries regarding the role, please contact:

Holly Whale

Talent Acquisition Partner

h.whale@unsw.edu.au

Please apply online. Applications sent directly to the contact person will not be accepted.

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with disability, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.