Head of School of Life Sciences

Keele University is seeking to appoint an outstanding and inspirational academic leader as Head of the School of Life Sciences.

Keele University enjoys an international reputation for world-leading research, high-quality research-led education and an outstanding student experience.

The School of Life Sciences is the largest School within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, encompassing Biomedical Science, Infectious Diseases, Neuroscience, Bioveterinary Science, Bioengineering, Biology, Pharmacology, Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science. The School has performed exceptionally in recent years, delivering strong and sustained growth in student recruitment, increasing research grant income, excellent staff retention and strong financial performance.

The School is home to around 100 academic staff, more than 1,600 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and operates with an annual budget of approximately £22 million. Building on this strong foundation, the next Head of School will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of a thriving and ambitious academic community, driving research excellence and impact, delivering an outstanding student experience, strengthening external partnerships, and fostering a culture in which colleagues and students can flourish.

As a member of the Faculty Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will contribute to the strategic leadership of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and play an important role in shaping the future success of Keele University.

The successful candidate will bring a strong personal track-record of research in a relevant discipline, as well as previous leadership experience in an academic environment. Candidates will be strong academic leaders with the ability to motivate and inspire others. They will bring the maturity, judgement and confidence required to lead a complex operation, with the ability to balance competing priorities and deploy resources effectively.  This is an opportunity to build on recent successes, and to further enhance and grow a high-performing school and shape its strategic direction.

How to Apply

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver who will support Keele University in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in their assessment against the requirements for the role.

Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement which includes a brief overview of your experience with relevance to the personal specification as well as an indication of the reasons for your interest in this opportunity.

For a confidential informal conversation about the role, please contact Felicity Park at felicity.park@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 09:00 am GMT on Monday 9^th November 2026.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Interviews will be held: January 2027

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