Professor and Head of School - School of Chemistry in Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is now seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader to join the College of Science & Engineering as Professor and Head of the School of Chemistry – a world top-100 school.

Role Description

The Head of School reports to the VP/Head of College and performs a pivotal academic leadership role, providing a coherent academic vision and direction for the School. The Head is financially accountable, the recognised budget holder, and a full member of the College Management Group. The role is responsible for determining and successfully delivering the strategic direction of academic disciplines within its remit, aligned with the College’s strategic imperatives, and contributing to the success of the University.

Purpose

• Champion high-quality teaching, research and scholarly activities, ensuring a stimulating, collegial and well-managed environment.
• Contribute to the delivery of the College’s strategy, including research & knowledge exchange, learning & teaching, and internationalisation.
• Be accountable for the overall delivery of the student experience.
• Ensure effective governance and leadership of the School, adhering to academic and research policies.
• Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing School, fostering excellence, accountability and transparency.
• Use allocated resources efficiently to maximise the School’s contribution to the College and University strategy.
• Play a major role in the strategic development of the College.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a compelling, cohesive vision for the School aligned to College objectives.
• Actively influence the development and delivery of the University strategy.
• Manage the School’s academic, physical and financial resources to maximise contribution to the University.
• Provide academic leadership and direction across all subject disciplines in the School.
• Lead and develop a high-performing School, managing career development and performance of academic staff.
• Attract, manage and retain staff to achieve academic excellence, supported by performance reviews.
• Identify, promote and develop the School’s research strengths and portfolio, including multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Implement local aspects of the Learning and Teaching strategy, ensuring quality assurance in line with University policies.
• Promote student engagement and critical evaluation of educational provision.
• Ensure degree programmes meet necessary standards and are relevant to industry and research.
• Develop the School’s international academic profile and enhance recruitment and partnership initiatives.
• Develop School strategies and financial plans in partnership with the VP/Head of College.
• Support cross-School and College developments in research, teaching and internationalisation.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer between the University and non-academic users of research.
• Maintain links with professional, statutory and regulatory bodies, ensuring required accreditation and training.
• Encourage entrepreneurial activity, securing external funding and income-generating opportunities.
• Communicate all relevant University policies and procedures across the School.
• Forge and maintain external relations essential to the School’s business, promoting the University’s reputation.
• Act as an ambassador for the School, raising its profile externally.
• Deputise for the Head of College on College business when required.

Qualifications

• A1 Academic – Level 10 (Professor).
• A2 PhD or demonstrable equivalent training and experience.

Skills and Experience

• C1 Successful and sustained international leadership.
• C2 Proven academic leadership and team building record.
• C3 Leadership style that creates a positive, collaborative culture.
• C4 Senior level experience in an academic setting.
• C5 Understanding of funding bodies and a track record of funded research.
• C6 Proven experience managing staff and their performance.
• C7 Proven record of training early-career academics and PhD students.
• C8 Demonstrable strategic and operational management and planning experience.
• C9 Experience of financial planning and resource allocation.
• C10 Experience of leading and implementing change.

Personal Qualities

• E1 Ability to articulate a coherent academic vision for the School.
• E2 Ability to integrate highly motivated staff into multidisciplinary teams.
• E3 Ability to engage stakeholders with problem-solving within budgets and timelines.
• E4 Ability to manage resources ensuring the School is self-sustaining.
• E5 Ability to motivate staff to deliver innovative postgraduate programmes.
• E6 Experienced in encouraging entrepreneurial activity.

Terms and Conditions

Individuals are appointed for an initial period of 4 years, renewable on mutual agreement for a further 2 years. The Head of School will become a substantive professorial member of staff upon appointment. Salary will be within the Professorial range and subject to negotiation. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from under-represented communities, including BAME individuals. The University promotes and embeds equality and diversity within all aspects of the community. The Athena Swan principles are endorsed, and the University holds bronze, silver and gold awards.