In 2017 the merger of long-established Biomedical Science and Chemistry departments marked the formation of the School of Chemistry and Biosciences. This move brought together two highly complementary fields of science, to break down silos and facilitate both research and teaching across this vital discipline interface. Bringing together these two programme teams into a single School has expanded opportunities for interdisciplinary research and has enhanced the level of interdisciplinary research-driven teaching. Working together in a School of Chemistry and Biosciences has equipped us for a future in which biology is increasingly dealt with at the molecular level and chemists are looking to biology for inspiration or even using biological techniques to produce compounds and development of new functional materials.

The role of Head of School in Chemistry and Biosciences is an excellent opportunity to lead the development of a recently formed multidisciplinary school. The Head of School role has great prospects to be a national exemplar of how biologists and chemists can bring their two disciplines together to create a whole that has much greater impact, in both teaching and research, than the simple sum of its parts.

The Head of School is responsible to the Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences for the organisation and general conduct of the School, including delivery within the budget. The Head is expected to participate in teaching, examining and administration and to pursue research in their area of interest. The Head will provide leadership around all aspects of academic responsibilities; ensuring that the School of Chemistry and Biosciences continues to develop, grow and integrate its programmes, playing a key role in supporting the Faculty in delivering University strategy.

The Faculty of Life Sciences fully supports the University’s vision of creating a diverse and inclusive culture and particularly welcomes female applicants and applicants who are from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, who are currently under-represented in leadership roles within the Faculty. We are open to discussing the potential to work flexibly, exploring what is reasonably possible for the role to be successful.

This is a senior leadership role in the Faculty, contributing to faculty level decision making, providing strategic direction, identifying and leading on priorities, ensuring that governance structures, processes and resources are in place.

In normal circumstances after a 3-year appointment as Head of School the post holder will revert to a normal academic position commensurate with their grade. Extension of the headship beyond 3 years is possible and will be considered as appropriate.

The University of Bradford has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign, please apply by sending your CV & Cover Letter which should outline your interest in the role, your skills and attributes and experience as relevant in accordance with the job description to c.boote@searchhigher.com or please call 07823 524581 for a confidential conversation.