Head of School, Biological & Chemical Sciences

Manchester Metropolitan University – School of Biological and Chemical Sciences

About usManchester Metropolitan University is where ambition leads to outstanding achievement. Named The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2026 and awarded TEF Gold for teaching excellence, Manchester Met. is recognised for research impact, with 90% rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The University is celebrated for its exceptional Knowledge Exchange performance and has been consistently ranked by People & Planet among the top five most sustainable universities for more than a decade, including four first-place rankings.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering has played a central role in the University's achievements and is undergoing an exciting period of transformation. We are now entering a new phase of development, bringing together coherent disciplines and subject areas into a new School structure. As we embark on this new chapter, we are seeking a visionary Head of the School to lead a newly established and ambitious School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences combines expertise in biology, biomedical science, biodiversity, biotechnology, ecology, species conservation, chemistry, microbiology, and physiology to drive innovation in the science of life. Aligned with national and regional priorities, it supports the UK Life Sciences Strategy and Greater Manchester's ambition for health and materials innovation. With a vibrant portfolio spanning life sciences and chemistry, the School delivers internationally recognised, interdisciplinary research and education. Its collaborative approach fosters creativity, discovery, and real-world impact-building partnerships across academia, industry, and healthcare to advance knowledge, promote health equity, and position the School as a leader in shaping the future of science and innovation.

The opportunityThis is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a School from the ground up, building on major recent investments including the new £115m Dalton Building and the continuing Road to 2030 professorial campaign. You will have the platform and resources to drive rapid growth and firmly establish the School as a leader in its field. It is a chance to create something exceptional: a School recognised nationally and internationally for research excellence, outstanding education, and innovative partnerships.

The successful candidate will bring an internationally recognised track record in teaching and research in a relevant area of life sciences. They will be able to demonstrate the requisite leadership skills and management experience to provide inspirational and effective leadership to the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

We encourage you to arrange a discussion with our search partner, Perrett Laver, to find out more about the opportunity.

How to apply

*Please do not apply for this vacancy via the university website*

For further details, including the job description and person specification, please visit plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/bb9df721-fdb3-85b7-1043-3a1e43004af4.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this position, please contact Daniel Munks at Perrett Laver via Daniel.Munks@perrettlaver.com.

Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought.

• The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 8th February 2026.
• Final interviews will be held on Thursday 16th April 2026.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.