Professor & Head of the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology Department : Peter Gorer Department of ImmunobiologyRole PurposeIn the substantive Professorship position, the postholder will lead a world‐class research programme aligned with the strategic priorities of the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, alongside shaping and enhancing high‐quality undergraduate and postgraduate education.
The post holder will produce a sustained body of internationally excellent and world‐leading research outputs, whilst influencing curriculum strategy, academic standards and educational innovation. They will work collaboratively across the Faculty, University and King's Health Partners, leading research teams and partnerships, supporting students and staff, and contributing to major institutional initiatives.
As a senior leader, mentor and role model, the post holder will foster an inclusive, ambitious and values‐driven academic community. They will contribute to Faculty and University governance, represent King's externally, and help ensure that education and scholarship within the Faculty remain at the forefront of international practice and academic excellence.
This role sits within the Education & Research (E&R) academic pathway. Academics on the E&R Pathway are expected to make balanced contributions to the two main domains of education and research. The level and type of contributions will vary over time, as agreed with the post holder's manager. Excellence in these domains is underpinned by contributions to innovation, impact and knowledge exchange.
In addition, the postholder will take on additional leadership responsibilities as Head of the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, responsible for academic, strategic and operational leadership within the Department; and will support the Head of Immunology & Microbial Sciences in ensuring the School executes excellence across all its activities.
The Head of Department is responsible for the performance and development of the Department, ensuring the structure is appropriate for delivery of the School's ambitions.
Key Responsibilities(Professorial) ResearchLead and sustain a world‐leading, internationally competitive research programme aligned with Faculty and University priorities.
Produce a sustained body of research outputs of international excellence and, where appropriate, world‐leading quality, suitable for REF submission.
Secure and lead substantial external research funding as Principal Investigator, while contributing strategically to major collaborative grants and initiatives.
Build, lead and sustain large, diverse research teams and networks within King's and with national and international partners.
Provide strategic leadership in research culture, including mentoring early‐career researchers, supporting research integrity and promoting inclusive research practices.
Ensure that all research activity complies with the highest standards of ethics, governance, integrity and data protection.
To collaborate with academic and clinical colleagues to enhance the NHS Trust's translational research portfolio, at all times meeting the full requirements of Research Governance.
EducationProvide strategic leadership in undergraduate and postgraduate education, ensuring consistently excellent, inclusive and research‐enhanced teaching across programmes.
Lead and shape curriculum strategy and educational innovation at Departmental, Faculty and/or University level.
Provide oversight and leadership of assessment strategy, academic standards and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with University regulations and sector best practice.
Supervise postgraduate research students as lead supervisor and contribute to the strategic development and sustainability of the postgraduate research environment. Mentor and develop academic colleagues in teaching, curriculum leadership and education scholarship.
Innovation, Impact & Knowledge ExchangeLead and contribute to innovation, impact and knowledge exchange activities that deliver significant societal, policy, health or economic benefit.
Contribute to education‐related scholarship, innovation and external engagement that enhances the Faculty's education profile nationally and internationally.
Translate research findings and academic expertise into demonstrable benefits beyond academia, appropriate to the discipline and nature of the role.
Represent the Faculty and University externally through leadership roles in national and international academic, professional or policy‐making bodies.
Leadership & CitizenshipProvide senior academic leadership within the Department, School and/or Faculty, contributing to strategic planning, governance and decision‐making.
Shape Faculty and University‐level strategy across education, research, people and culture priorities.
Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive leadership and practice across all academic activities.
Lead and support student recruitment, widening participation, outreach and engagement activities at Faculty or University level.
Work in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues, modelling collegiate, transparent and values‐driven leadership.
As Head of Department, the postholder is expected: To provide academic vision and leadership, aligning the Department's strategic objectives with those of the School and Faculty, with responsibility for the delivery of these, to optimise the School's and Faculty's performance and ongoing sustainabilityTo ensure the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology contributes to the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences' ambition to excel in education, research, international and knowledge transfer activities, encouraging and fostering collaboration and ensuring consistency of practice and processContribute to the leadership of the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences through membership of the School Executive, deputising for the Head of School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences where appropriateTo represent the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology and School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences' interests in the development of Faculty and university policy, and to be responsible for the implementation of Faculty and university policy within the Peter Gorer Department of ImmunobiologyTo prepare and drive the delivery of the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences' strategic plan, overseeing the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology's activity including support for high performance at all levelsTo foster a stimulating, innovative and inclusive cultural environment across the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology enabling students and staff to thrive and developOversee the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology's finances and facilities to ensure resource is deployed to meet the strategic direction of the School of Immunology & Microbial SciencesThe above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Period of appointmentThe substantive appointment is an ongoing academic Professorial contract, a permanent member of the academic staff of King's College London.
The postholder will take on additional leadership responsibilities as Head of the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology for a fixed term of three years, with the potential for renewal at the agreement of both parties following review.
Essential CriteriaPhD awarded in a relevant subject area.
Internationally recognised research profile with a sustained record of outputs of international excellence and, where appropriate, world‐leading quality.
Outstanding track record of securing and leading substantial external research funding as Principal Investigator.
Extensive record of strategic leadership in undergraduate and postgraduate education, including curriculum innovation, educational quality and academic standards at Faculty, University or equivalent level.
Proven record of successful postgraduate research supervision as lead supervisor, with sustained evidence of successful progression, completion and development of researchers.
Significant academic leadership experience at Departmental, Faculty, University or equivalent level.
Excellent strategic leadership, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to shape agendas across disciplines and institutions.
Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA or above) or equivalent.
Desirable
Criteria1. Experience in a Faculty leadership role such as Head of Department, Vice Dean role or equivalent.
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Grade and Salary : CompetitiveJob ID : 162805Post Date : 30-Oct-2026Close Date : Contact Person : King's SearchContact Details : kings-search@kcl.ac.uk
Professor & Head of the Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology in London employer: King's College London
At King’s College London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. Located in the heart of London, our institution offers unique advantages such as access to world-class resources and a vibrant community dedicated to advancing research and education.
