The University of Queensland is proud to be ranked in the top 10 universities worldwide for environment and ecology, and biodiversity conservation, and in the top 20 worldwide for life and earth sciences. The School of Environment is a new School that brings together expertise in environmental science, ecology, conservation, earth sciences, geography, genetics, evolution, zoology and human society, from its predecessor Schools: the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Agriculture and Food Science.

The School is well positioned to address the UN Sustainable development goals relating to: climate action, life on land and life underwater, and to graduate students who are poised to deliver on these critical issues. Indeed, this School will become a flagship for addressing environmental resilience and sustainability on a global scale, while training the future workforce to tackle these challenges in the future.

The academic excellence that defines the School of the Environment will be enabled by amazing staff, high-quality students, and world-class facilities across city and rural campuses, marine and terrestrial research stations, and mutually beneficial partnerships. Facilities include geochemistry, geochronology, geomicrobiology equipment, and geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing computer laboratories.

From mid 2023, the School will educate more than 1500 full-time equivalent coursework students enrolled in a range of Science, Environment and Conservation related undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. These programs deliver truly outstanding on and off-campus experiences for students, including field trips across Australia and overseas.

The School will also train over 200 research higher degree students and engage in a wide range of research projects and programs to address complex issues relating to climate change, environmental resilience, natural resources, and geological history and processes. Outcomes and impact will be achieved through strong partnerships with industry, government, and other organisations.

About This Opportunity

The Head of School (HoS) will lead the School through an exciting and dynamic time, enabling the best outcomes for the School's exceptional staff and students, while being in a position of influence to shape the future of the School, the Faculty and UQ.

This is a key strategic and operational leadership role responsible for enacting the School, Faculty and UQ vision, cultivating collaborative and productive relationships and delivering outstanding results across the core activities of the School.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, the HoS will inspire and lead a large team of academic and professional staff and effectively manage the School’s resources, governance frameworks and administrative processes. Delivering high quality teaching, research, and operational goals in the University requires collaboration within and beyond The University of Queensland.

Our Ideal Candidate

As Head of School, you will be an experienced, highly collaborative leader with exceptional communication and people management skills and a real passion for developing the next generation of scientists. You will have an international reputation for excellence, with a strong teaching profile and research track record. Demonstrated success in facilitating and leading interdisciplinary research collaborations and nurturing early and mid-career academics will be critical to this role.

You will have strengths in influencing and negotiating, including the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with key internal partners and external stakeholders including industry, government, and professional bodies.

If you are looking for an academic leadership role with a real opportunity to make an impact then we would like to hear from you.

UQ values diversity and inclusion, and actively encourages applications from those who bring diversity to the University. Our Diversity and Inclusion webpage contains further information if you require additional support. Accessibility requirements and/or adjustments can be directed to recruitment@uq.edu.au.

What We Can Offer

This is a full-time, fixed term position for 5 years as Head of School, The Environment and Professor at Academic Level E. An affiliate appointment and/or reversionary underlying continuing appointment may be possible for an outstanding appointee.

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate. Remuneration will be subject to periodic review.

You will be able to take advantage of UQ Sport Facilities, recreation leave loading, salary sacrificing options, on-campus childcare, discounted private health insurance, on campus parking, development programs and many other benefits.

For further information about UQ’s benefits, please visit Why Work at UQ.

Position Description

HoS-Environment_AppointmentBooklet.pdf

Questions?

To discuss this role and to request a copy of the candidate information booklet, please contact Janine Fitzgerald on +61 424 164 765 or via email at jfitzgerald@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au or Kate Robinson on +61 409 769 560 or at krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au quoting reference number RF0180.

Want to Apply?

To submit an application for this role, please forward your application to Robinson Fitzgerald Executive Search via the contact email details above.

Applications close Sunday 2nd April 2023.