Dean of the Faculty of Brain Sciences

University College London is a world-leading, global university with a community of more than 51,000 students from 150 countries and over 18,000 staff which pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries, and makes a positive impact on real world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation. We are ambitious for change and committed to taking ever bolder and more impactful interventions towards becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university.

The Faculty of Brain Sciences is a global leader in research and education into the mind and brain, home to some of the world’s most influential researchers. Renowned for pioneering discoveries that have redefined modern neuroscience and clinical care, the Faculty brings together expertise across neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, audiology, and language sciences, making it one of the most comprehensive academic communities of its kind in the world.

Home to several world-leading institutes, including the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, the Institute of Prion Diseases, the Ear Institute, the Division of Psychiatry and the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, and a founding partner of the UK Dementia Research Institute hosting its largest Centre, the Faculty is at the forefront of discovery science, translational research, and clinical innovation. With more than 1,900 staff and 4,000 students, it generates an annual turnover of over £265 million and holds a research portfolio exceeding £720 million.

This is an exciting time to lead a world-renowned Faculty that is shaping the future of brain and behavioural sciences. UCL is ranked first in the UK for research power in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (REF 2021), with more than two-thirds of its research rated world-leading (4*), and the Faculty ranks 6th globally for Psychology. UCL is also ranked 1st in Europe and 2nd in the world for Neuroscience and Behaviour, as well as 2nd in Europe and 3rd in the world for Psychiatry and Psychology, based on citation data from Clarivate's Essential Science Indicators (ESI).

Major developments such as the new state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Neuroscience and Oriel – a new global hub for advancing eye health – are creating unparalleled opportunities for discovery, collaboration, and impact.

As Dean, you will shape the next chapter in the Faculty’s evolution, developing and implementing a bold, forward-looking academic vision. You will build on its formidable research base and outstanding record in education and student experience, and enhance partnerships with the NHS, industry, and global collaborators. With significant scope to strengthen collaboration across departments and with other faculties, you will champion excellence in research, education, innovation, and enterprise, and foster an inclusive and empowering culture that engenders creativity and achievement.

Responsible to UCL’s Council via the Vice Provost (Faculties) and the Provost, you will ensure the Faculty’s continued success and high performance and contribute to the leadership of the University as a member of the University Management Committee. This is a pivotal role for UCL that calls for an outstanding and visionary leader with an international reputation for excellence and a significant record of achievement in a large, complex, and high-performing institution. You will combine intellectual authority and strategic vision with the ability to inspire and engage a diverse community of staff, students, and partners.

A collaborative, inclusive, and values-driven leader, you will bring the experience and confidence to deliver transformational change, navigate complex challenges, and shape the Faculty’s future development and growth. You will have a proven ability to develop and deliver long-term academic, financial, and organisational strategies that enhance research quality, educational innovation, and societal impact. Collegial and forward-thinking, you will foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and belonging, empowering others to achieve their potential and advancing UCL’s mission to transform lives and societies through knowledge.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

UCL is supported in this appointment by the executive search firm Veredus. For further details and instructions on how to apply, please visit Veredus/Opportunities. For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our advising Consultants: James Griffin and Veronika Dergal. Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification and motivation for applying. The deadline for receipt of applications is 9am on Wednesday, 7th January 2026. The final interviews will take place on 13th March 2026.

We are committed to ensuring that anyone can access our application processes. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, wish to apply in a different format, or need any other reasonable adjustments made for you (including at interview), please contact us on education@veredus.co.u