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
Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 15,000 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/
Keele University values diversity, and is committed to ensuring equity of opportunity, and to proper and fair representation across its senior decision making groups. In support of these commitments, 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, and values equity and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women/ men for this role.
Keele University values equity and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.
How to Apply
An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver who will support Keele University in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in their assessment against the requirements for the role.
Applications should consist of a CV and supporting statement which includes a brief overview of your experience with relevance to the personal specification as well as an indication of the reasons for your interest in this opportunity.
For details of the appointment, including further information about the job description, person specification and how to apply, please click on the "Request Further Information" button below. The job reference number is 8686.
For a confidential informal conversation about the role, please contact Felicity Park at felicity.park@perrettlaver.com.
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 09:00 am GMT on Monday 9th November 2026.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
Interviews will be held: January 2027
The Benefits
The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:
Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.
The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.
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