Head of the 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.

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, a competitive benefits package is available, including:

- Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
- Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
- Excellent staff pension scheme
- Access to continued personal, professional and career development
- On site 'outstanding' nursery
- Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
- Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Keele University values diversity and is committed to ensuring equity of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision making groups. The University particularly welcomes expressions of interest and applications from women and from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for this post. Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena Swan charter.

Interviews will be held: 22 January 2027.