Head of School, School of Health and Life Sciences

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit the Head of School of Health and Life Sciences.

About the School of Health and Life Sciences

Vision: To become the leading Sino-foreign hub for health, life science and technology education and research, where discovery moves from the laboratory to the clinic and to the community.

Mission: To develop the next generation of healthcare talent, innovators and leaders, and to directly impact the transformation of healthcare in China and the world.

Research and external partnerships development plan includes: academic staff and units at the University of Nottingham UK and University of Nottingham Malaysia campuses; international joint laboratories with industry partners; shared clinical research platforms with hospitals in Ningbo; a joint postdoctoral research station — the first of its kind at a Sino-foreign university; a university-led technology transfer investment fund to support translation of research into practice.

About the Role

The Head of School provides strategic and academic leadership for the School of Health and Life Sciences, working within UNNC's governance structure and reporting to the Provost and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. The Head of School is the School's principal academic officer and its senior representative, internally and externally, and is accountable for its academic standards, research performance, student experience, financial sustainability, and staff and organisational culture.

Because the School is newly established, this role carries particular founder-leader responsibilities not typically present in an established School: converting an initial strategic plan into an operating academic organisation, building out the academic establishment beyond the founding cohort, embedding quality assurance and governance processes, and developing the School's distinctive identity and reputation — domestically in China and internationally — as it moves from start-up to steady state.

The Head of School will work closely with the outgoing interim leadership team during a planned transition, and with Faculty Deans, professional service directors and the Provost's Office to ensure the School is fully integrated into UNNC's wider academic and administrative life.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic and Academic Leadership: Provide strategic and academic leadership for the School, driving its development and implementation of strategic priorities in alignment with UNNC and University of Nottingham objectives. Build an effective leadership team and establish sustainable academic structures, governance and operations.

Research and Innovation: Lead the development of a vibrant, internationally recognised research environment, strengthening research excellence, funding, collaboration and innovation. Advance research partnerships and translation into clinical, societal and commercial impact, while maintaining an active personal research profile.

Education and Student Experience: Provide leadership in delivering high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education, ensuring academic excellence, continuous improvement and programme development. Champion an inclusive student experience, supporting student success, employability and progression.

External Engagement, Partnerships and Enterprise: Enhance the School's reputation and external engagement by developing strategic relationships with academic institutions, healthcare organisations, industry and government partners. Advance partnerships and initiatives that support the School's education, research and enterprise ambitions.

People, Culture and Team Development: Lead the recruitment, development and performance of academic and professional services staff, building a high-performing and collaborative team. Foster an inclusive, supportive and values-driven culture that promotes staff engagement, wellbeing and future academic leadership.

Governance, Resources and Operations: Ensure effective academic governance, regulatory compliance, financial sustainability and responsible allocation of resources. Oversee operational performance, facilities, health and safety, and risk management to support the School's long-term development.

About You

Essential: Doctoral qualification in a relevant field. Professorial-level academic standing (or equivalent international standing) in a discipline relevant to the School. Sustained record of original research of international excellence, evidenced by publications, grants and supervision. Experience leading an academic department, School, division or comparably sized unit, including budget and staff management responsibility. Track record of leading improvements in teaching quality, curriculum design and student outcomes at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Ability to lead effectively in an international, cross-cultural, Sino-foreign university environment; willingness to relocate to and be based in Ningbo, China. Strategic thinking; excellent communication with diverse academic, government and industry audiences; sound financial and resource management judgement; commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable: Prior experience working or studying in China, or in another Sino-foreign or transnational education context. Mandarin language skills.

About Us

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. Located in Ningbo, this award-winning campus offering a UK-style education has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in just 22 years.

Remuneration and Benefits

This is offered as an initial fixed-term contract of 5 years with a probation period of 6 months, with effect from September 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The University is committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of staff. Recruitment to this role is subject to applicable national legislation, including Chinese statutory retirement requirements.