About the role

We are seeking an inclusive and inspirational strategic leader who will enable and empower students and staff to realise their ambitions through research-inspired education and world-changing research. The post holder should have a strong and internationally recognised research profile with a clear research vision and be committed to supporting an exciting learning environment. Your creativity, underpinned by strong institutional, national and international collaborations, will deliver impact and outcomes across the School, to influence positive change in our world.

Our wider institutional environment provides an ideal context for and mechanisms to engage in interdisciplinary research and develop and maintain extensive industrial collaborations. Staff affiliated to Physics and Astronomy are based on main campus and at Space Park Leicester, a unique community of industry, academia and students driving world-leading research, innovation and skills development in space and space-enabled sectors. The Leicester Innovation Hub works closely with industry to collaboratively turn research expertise and business ideas into innovative products, services and processes. Physics and Astronomy staff make substantial contributions to the University’s flagship cross-disciplinary research institutes (most significantly to the Institute for Space and Institute for  Environmental Futures).The institutes and Space Park Leicester facilitate collaboration with the other Colleges (Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Life Science) in the University.

Headship at Leicester offers the opportunity to play a transformative role in the future direction of your discipline and the School, College and University. The role will expand your own senior leadership skills. Heads of School within the College of Science and Engineering work collaboratively and a close working relationship with the Executive Director of Space Park Leicester will be key to success. Working closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering, you will facilitate an enabling environment for colleagues to be engaged at the forefront of global leading research, innovative enterprise and the provision of an excellent student experience. 

Outstanding people leadership skills are a high priority for this role. The Head will lead a proactive and dynamic Management Group, to support the School’s growth and development over the next few years. Mentoring, staff development and long-term succession planning will be key factors in enabling progression and the Head has a clear remit to promote enhanced staff diversity, especially regarding the gender balance of staff in the School.

About you

You will have proven ability to provide academic leadership in both research and teaching, with an outstanding record of internationally recognised research achievement in a related field.

You will be an accomplished communicator who can lead, inspire and motivate colleagues across the School and, crucially, you must be capable of leading change and delivering against the strategic priorities of the University. You will be expected to engage with Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) activities and promote EDI values. You will be committed to providing an inclusive environment for students and staff focused on realising potential and striving for excellence. strives to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued so that they can thrive and develop in the School environment and in their careers.

Location: Leicester
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Vacancy terms: Full time, four year tenure as Head of School with possibility for extension, with a substantive position in the College upon completion of term
Salary details: Competitive, inclusive of an additional responsibility allowance of £10,000 per annum for Tenure as
Hours per week: 37.5

For further details on the role and its responsibilities, please see the Job Summary Form.

Additional information

Applications should consist of a full academic curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history and achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the person specification, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.

The closing date for applications is 9am (GMT) on Monday 27th March 2023.