University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact. The College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) is a large, complex and externally facing College comprising nine academic Schools: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology; School of Chemistry; School of Computer Science and Information Technology; School of Engineering and Architecture; School of Food and Nutritional Sciences; School of Mathematical Sciences; School of Microbiology; and School of Physics.
As a member of UCC’s University Leadership Team, the Head of College will contribute to the collective leadership of the University and to the delivery of UCC’s Strategic Plan. The successful candidate will be expected to act with a “one University” mindset: leading the College with ambition while taking shared responsibility for UCC’s strategy, performance, culture, reputation, risk and long-term sustainability. The Head of College is responsible for leading a high performing academic community; delivering excellent education, research, innovation and engagement; developing people and culture; managing resources well; and representing the College within UCC, nationally and internationally. The role requires a balance of strategic leadership and operational accountability, including ensuring that the College delivers against agreed academic, financial, research, education, commercial and partnership objectives. The Head of College will work with Tyndall National Institute and relevant UCC partners to advance shared opportunities and lead strategic engagement with industry.
UCC is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science. The role requires academic credibility, sound judgement, strong governance, proven senior leadership experience, financial and resource capability, and the ability to work collegially across a complex university environment. The successful candidate will provide visible, inclusive and ambitious leadership; support excellence in education, research and innovation; develop people and culture; manage resources well; and represent the College and UCC nationally and internationally. They will have a successful track record of building strong partnerships with government, funders, industry, professional bodies, alumni, civic partners and, where relevant, health and clinical partners.
How to Apply
The University will be supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver and enquiries can be made directly to Callum Conway, callum.conway@perrettlaver.com quoting the reference number 8706.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role. The closing date for applications will be 12pm GMT on Tuesday, 8th December 2026.
Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in mid-December. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates in early-January 2027, and the Committee will then meet in mid-January 2027 to decide on a shortlist of candidates who will be invited to formal interviews in early February 2027.
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