Vice-President & Dean for Faculty of Science & Engineering

Vice President & Dean for Faculty of Science & Engineering - University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is one of the world’s leading universities with deep roots in Manchester and the wider region. Drawing on a rich legacy of discovery, activism, and community service, we are developing our new University strategy as we enter our third century. With over 13,000 staff and 46,000 students, we are one of the UK’s largest and most comprehensive universities, committed to interdisciplinary teaching, research, and social responsibility. Ranked 34th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) and 2nd globally for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Ranking), we are the region’s largest innovation asset. A key initiative is ‘Sister’, a new £1.7bn world-class innovation district designed to foster partnerships, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, making Manchester a leading innovation-driven economy in Europe.

We seek to appoint a new Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science & Engineering (FSE), one of the UK’s largest groupings of scientists and engineers. FSE is committed to teaching and research excellence, strengthening partnerships with employers, research funders, and beneficiaries, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Faculty’s research spans fundamental to interdisciplinary fields, addressing key challenges in Artificial Intelligence, Health, Sustainability, Quantum and Digital, and Advanced Materials. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, FSE achieved exceptional performance, ranking in the top three in the UK in Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics.

The Faculty hosts the Tomorrow Labs, the UK’s largest collection of science and engineering facilities, open to industry collaboration. Key institutes include the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s national centre for advanced materials; the Dalton Nuclear Institute, driving nuclear energy advancements; and the National Graphene Institute, a leader in 2D materials research.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President and Dean will provide academic leadership and operational management for the Faculty, which has an income exceeding £270 million. This role oversees two schools and ten departments, nearly 1,900 academic and professional services staff, and over 10,000 students. Responsibilities include strategic leadership in research, education, and social responsibility, ensuring efficient and effective operational processes.

As a key member of the University’s Executive Team, you will bring an outstanding reputation in a relevant discipline, a commitment to teaching and research excellence, and proven leadership and management capabilities. The successful candidate will be an inspiring, values-driven leader, able to foster inclusive and high-performing teams and engage effectively with external partners.

The University is dedicated to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including within its executive leadership. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including under-represented groups, provided candidates have the qualifications and experience to excel in this role.

The University of Manchester is supported in this appointment by Perrett Laver. Initial enquiries should be directed to Annabel Holt at annabel.holt@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7387. For further details, including the job description, person specification, and application process, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 7749. Applications should include a cover letter, full CV outlining academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration, and relevant achievements.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Friday, 14th March 2025.

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