Head of Biosciences

With a legacy of pioneering research, transformative teaching and real-world impact, the University of Surrey has consistently produced graduates and discoveries that change practice and change lives. Ambitious, growing and increasingly influential on the global stage, we are driving forward the bold ambitions of the University's Vision 2041 with a continuing positive impact on society and the planet.

Central to our ambitions is the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, home to 650 staff and 5,500 students across five Schools: Biosciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine. Building on our distinctive diversity in health professions and sciences, our aim is to develop outstanding graduates and researchers with a core ethos of team science, driving substantial growth in our research activity, innovation and impact.

The Opportunity

We are now seeking an exceptional Head of School of Biosciences to lead the School through its next phase of growth, visibility and distinction. This is a key leadership role at a pivotal moment for biosciences, healthcare and translational research in Surrey and across the region.

Our ambition is to grow the School of Biosciences as a leading centre for research-informed education, discovery and innovation. The School brings together activities across biosciences, including food, nutrition and dietetics, infection and sports and exercise sciences, with a whole-society approach to health and wellbeing. Its research community addresses major scientific and societal challenges, while its teaching is designed to give students a high-quality, relevant and research-informed education.

As Head of School, you will sit on the Faculty Executive Board, providing strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research programmes. You will drive excellence in teaching, research and student experience, while strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, applied research and commercialisation.

The School is home to around 180 staff, including academic staff, technical specialists and professional services colleagues. Its programme portfolio spans biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical science, food science and nutrition, nutrition, nutrition and dietetics, sport and exercise science, veterinary biosciences, biotechnology, and postgraduate research in biosciences and medicine and quantum biology.

Research students and staff benefit from a vibrant research community, specialist facilities and well-established collaborations with industry that support knowledge transfer to the commercial sector and wider community. The School's facilities provide up-to-date technologies for teaching and research across its fields, including multi-million-pound laboratories fitted with industry-standard equipment.

Student outcomes and experience are central to the School's success. In the National Student Survey 2026, the School was ranked in the top five for a range of subject areas, including biosciences, animal science, molecular biology, biophysics and biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics, microbiology and cell science, and other veterinary sciences. Ninety-four per cent of biosciences students were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating, according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026, and the School was ranked third in the UK for biosciences in the Daily Mail University Guide 2027.

You will be highly visible across the sector, developing collaborative relationships with research institutes, NHS and healthcare partners, industry, government, charities and other external organisations. Through your leadership, you will help position the School at the forefront of biosciences research and education, ensuring that its work responds to emerging scientific, technological and societal challenges.

The successful post holder will bring a substantial and credible academic track record in biosciences or a closely related discipline, with research expertise that complements the School's existing strengths. You will have proven experience of research leadership, strategic change and partnership development, alongside the academic standing and strategic vision to be a credible and inspirational leader of our team.

We are looking for an engaging, research-active leader who is committed to fostering a community that is as collegial and inclusive as it is innovative. Your dedication to the highest standards of education, research integrity, equality, diversity and inclusion, and student and staff wellbeing will underpin your leadership. You will be able to articulate a compelling vision for the School and generate genuine enthusiasm, confidence and buy-in among colleagues, students and partners.

Why Surrey

The University of Surrey is an ambitious, research-led organisation committed to research excellence and to applying our research for the benefit of society through an enterprising and forward-thinking spirit. You will be joining a diverse, welcoming and genuinely collaborative community, at a university with the ambition of a rising global player.

The School of Biosciences has a proud record of innovation and achievement, combining research-informed teaching with specialist facilities, external engagement and a strong commitment to inclusion. In August 2023, the School received an Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of its work to transform gender equality in higher education and research.

This is an opportunity to take up a role of real strategic significance: to lead, build and define the future of biosciences education, research and innovation at an exciting moment for the University and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.

This is a permanent Professorial-level academic appointment, with Head of School responsibilities held for an initial period of five years, subject to renewal. Following completion of the Head of School tenure, the post holder will return to a standard academic professorial portfolio, although further leadership roles will offer opportunities for continued career progression. The role attracts a pensionable responsibility allowance.

We welcome applications from academic areas across biosciences and related disciplines. If you are an ambitious, collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of biosciences education, research and innovation in a forward-looking, values-driven university, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Further details

Job Description