Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

The University of Manchester is one of the world’s leading universities but with deep roots in the city of Manchester and the wider region. We draw on the rich legacy of discovery, activism, and community service, which has defined us over the last 200 years. We are in the process of writing our new university strategy as we begin our third century. With over 13,000 staff and 46,000 students, we are also one of the UK’s largest and most comprehensive universities, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research and social responsibility. We are ranked 34th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Ranking). We are the region’s largest innovation asset, and in addition to other initiatives, we are leading the development of ‘Sister’, a new £1.7bn world-class innovation district, a launchpad for new companies, partnerships and initiatives that will bring together students, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and industry in creative ways to make Manchester one of the leading innovation-driven economies in Europe.

We seek to appoint a new Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science & Engineering (FSE). The Faculty is one of the largest groupings of scientists and engineers in the UK and beyond. We are focused on teaching and research excellence; growing partnerships with employers, research funders and beneficiaries; a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and making a significant contribution to society through impactful research and innovation. We cover the full spectrum from fundamental to interdisciplinary research and aim to deliver leadership and transformative solutions to key issues in Artificial Intelligence, Health, Sustainability, Quantum and Digital, and Advanced Materials as well as discovery science and engineering. These and other strengths were recognised in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, where FSE saw exceptional performance in Chemistry, Engineering and Physics, and ranked in the top three in the UK.  

The Faculty is home to the Tomorrow Labs, the largest collection of science and engineering facilities in the UK, also open for collaborative work with industry partners. It includes, among others, the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s national institute for advanced materials; the Dalton Nuclear Institute, a network for specialist labs which drive the future of nuclear energy; and the National Graphene Institute, which brings together the leading edge in 2D materials.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, this role is responsible for providing academic leadership and operational management of the Faculty, with an income of over £270 million, across a vibrant community of two schools and ten associated departments, approaching 1900 academic and professional services staff, and over 10,000 students. This involves developing strategic leadership in research, education and social responsibility, whilst ensuring that operational processes are efficient and effective.

You will be a vital member of the University’s Executive Team. In joining, you will have an outstanding reputation in a relevant discipline, a commitment to teaching and research excellence, proven leadership and management credentials and the vision and capability to advance the Faculty and the University. The new Vice-President and Dean will be an inspiring and values-led leader, able to build inclusive and high-performing teams, as well as engage successfully with a range of external partners.

The University is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including its executive leadership. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds with the qualifications and experience to undertake this role, including under-represented groups.  

The University of Manchester will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm Perrett Laver. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Annabel Holt at annabel.holt@perrettlaver.com & +44 (0)20 3928 7387. For further details, including the job description, person specification, and information on how to apply, please visit https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies quoting reference number 7749. Applications should consist of a cover letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.

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