Head of School, Materials Science and Engineering

Apply now Job no:521963
Work type:full time
Location:Sydney, NSW
Categories:Head of School / Director

• Senior Level Appointment for the term plus 17% Superannuation
• Includes an underlying Academic position at Level D/E
• Fixed Term – 3-5 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

UNSW is one of the world’s leading research and teaching-intensive universities, known for innovative, pioneering research and high-quality education with a global impact. Since its foundation in 1949, it has aimed to improve and transform lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. It is ranked equal 19th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, reflecting the university community’s focus on educational excellence.

About our Faculty:-

The Faculty of Science is a large and complex faculty of UNSW Sydney. It comprises the Schools of Aviation, Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES), Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Mathematics & Statistics, Physics, and Psychology. The School for Materials Science and Engineering has several highly interconnected research groups, with frequent interactions with other schools and faculties both inside and outside the University. At UNSW Sydney, the discipline of Materials Science is ranked #38 in the world in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Our School and this role:- 

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty of Science, the Head of School for Materials Science and Engineering will be responsible for leading a team of approximately 75 academic and professional staff. Collaborating closely with diverse research groups both within and beyond UNSW, you will drive academic excellence, foster social and industry engagement, and amplify global impact in alignment with the ambitions expressed in UNSW’s 2025 Strategy. You will craft and execute strategic initiatives, leveraging innovative approaches and fostering a supportive environment for staff and students. Supported by a dedicated leadership team, including a School Manager and Deputy Head of School, you will oversee the School’s operational management, ensuring efficient resource allocation and effective execution of our shared vision.

Who we are ideally looking for:-

With a distinguished record of scholarly achievement in the disciplines associated with materials sciences and engineering, the successful candidate will bring strong leadership abilities and a mindset that encourages innovation, supports new ideas, and adapts to changing landscape of higher education more broadly. You will be a contemporary leader, with an ability to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in materials science and engineering education and research, and lead diverse teams to achieve excellence in these areas. You will bring an energy and resilience to engage with the challenges and opportunities offered by an ambitious university. You will bring a capacity to articulate a strategic vision for the School, and the ability to lead and manage change to achieve that vision. Furthermore, you will bring a capacity to build and maintain effective collaborative partnerships within and external to the School to support the mission and objectives of the School, Faculty and of the University and enhance the impact of the discipline and the School in society.

Note: We have engaged an external agency Odgers Berndtson to assist UNSW with this appointment

More information on the role can be found at www.odgers.com/90989 .

For a confidential conversation, please contact Dr Alistair Clark on +61 436 019 746 or [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 8 April 2024.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Advertised:12 Mar 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:08 Apr 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time