University of Leeds - Appointment of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Physical Sciences and Engineering)

Reference Code: 8691

The University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK and a leading global, research-intensive university – ranked 77th in the world in the QS World University Rankings and a founder member of the Russell Group. Home to almost 40,0000 students representing 143 nationalities and over 10,000 staff, Leeds combines a proud heritage with a well-deserved reputation for research, innovation and an outstanding student experience.

Founded in 1904, with origins in the Leeds School of Medicine and the Yorkshire College of Science, Leeds has a vital role to play in addressing the issues facing the world today. Some 90% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). In the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences this figure rises to 96%. We are ranked 9th in the world by QS for its International Research Network metric. As a major civic and anchor institution, we make an important contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Leeds and the wider region, through our innovation hub Nexus, our spin-out companies and the Leeds Innovation Arc.

Having passed the mid-point of our ten-year strategy, Universal Values, Global Change, our ‘One Leeds’ plan sets a clear direction of travel for the remainder of the decade, guided by our values of collaboration, compassion, integrity and inclusivity.

Engineering and the physical sciences are central to that ambition. Our Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) brings together expertise across eight schools, providing strong interdisciplinary capability to deliver outstanding student education and research. When it comes to tackling major societal challenges, the faculty excels in AI and data analytics, robotics and autonomous systems, advanced materials, clean energy and net zero technologies, fluid dynamics, medical technologies and manufacturing and process engineering.

With 390 academic staff, 250 researchers, 570 postgraduate researchers, about 10,000 taught students and annual research income of £44 million, the faculty is one of the largest communities of its kind in the UK. It brings together eight schools – Chemical and Process Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics and Astronomy – and works closely with the University’s interdisciplinary centres, including the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, the Bragg Centre for Materials Research and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures.

To achieve our strategic ambitions, we need exceptional academic leadership. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, is a pivotal appointment for the faculty and the University. As a member of the University Executive Group, you will provide strategic leadership for the University and the faculty, ensuring the delivery of University and faculty priorities, academic excellence, financial sustainability, outstanding staff and student experiences and effective governance, while strengthening the faculty’s international standing and external partnerships.

You will be a leading academic in your discipline, with significant experience of leading at a strategic level, a clear vision for education and research, and the breadth of expertise to build credibility and influence internally and externally. You will bring a track record of developing and implementing strategy, delivering major programmes of work, managing people and finances to achieve results, and inspiring staff through transformational change. With highly developed communication skills, sound judgement and a keen awareness of higher education policy and regulation, you will be committed to world-leading research, an exceptional student experience and an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the UK’s largest communities in engineering and the physical sciences, at an exciting moment in the next phase of the University’s strategy.

For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification, and how to apply, please click the 'Request More Information' button below to access the Candidate Brief.

For informal inquiries please contact Harvir Bains on harvir.bains@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 9am GMT on Monday 7th December 2026

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