"Head of School, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering"

Head of School, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Apply

locations

Darlington Campus

time type

Full time

posted on

Posted 5 Days Ago

job requisition id

0148860

• Provide leadership in innovative teaching and research in chemical and biomolecular engineering in alignment with Faculty of Engineering’s strategic goals
• Join the leadership team of a preeminent engineering faculty, one of the largest in the world
• Fixed-term role for a period of 4 years with an attractive remuneration package and a professorial continuing appointment in the school

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney is one of the largest and most preeminent engineering faculties in the world. We are ranked 2nd in Australia and 57th globally (Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings by Subject 2026).

The School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, established in 1946, offered Australia's first university-level chemical engineering program. We are committed to teaching excellence and our graduates are highly regarded and sought after by employers in Australia and overseas. Our teaching and research encompass chemical engineering, biochemical engineering and biotechnology, energy and environment, green product and process design, minerals processing, process systems engineering and sustainability. With a focus on food, energy, health, water and the environment we engage with industry, government and the community to support researchers and educate aspiring engineers, as they endeavour to solve today’s pressing issues.

We are seeking to appoint a distinguished academic as Head of School, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who will join the leadership team of the Faculty of Engineering. The Head of School is a key leader within the Faculty Leadership Team, responsible for leading the school and for setting, communicating and delivering the Faculty’s strategy and goals at the School level. The Head of School plays a crucial role in aligning school objectives with university policies and standards while fostering a positive cultural environment and full adherence to the University’s values of trust, accountability and collective excellence.

Key responsibilities include ensuring excellence and impact in teaching and research outcomes, maintaining accreditation standards, enhancing the student experience, and meeting financial targets. The Head of School holds formal financial and people management delegations, ensuring effective governance, effective resource management and long-term sustainability. The role provides strategic leadership in the recruitment, appointment, development and retention of talented staff, and in advancing the School’s, Faculty’s and University’s reputation for excellence and their national and international academic standing. The Head of School is also responsible for risk management and compliance with workplace health and safety standards.

The Head of School models and promotes the University’s values in relation to its people and culture, ensuring an environment in which staff and students can thrive.

About you

The successful candidate will hold PhD qualifications and will have a recognised international academic and professional standing in chemical and biomolecular engineering. You will have extensive experience in people leadership and management within the higher education/knowledge worker sector, experience in working with industry, and a track record in managing financial sustainability, infrastructure and the operational needs and practices of an academic unit. Your ability to make strategic decisions, together with a strong business acumen, will support your endeavours in academic leadership, key stakeholder management and industry collaborations.

The successful applicant must have a wide network of established relationships with key academic, industry and professional institutions, partners and stakeholders, that can be leveraged to enhance the standing of the School, the Faculty and the University.

Term and remuneration

The term of the appointment is four years. This position will be supported by an underlying continuing position as a Professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. A competitive salary and a start-up package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will also be provided if required.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

Other

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Robinson Fitzgerald Executive Search has been engaged to assist the University of Sydney with this appointment process. For confidential enquiries and to request the comprehensive candidate information booklet, please contact Kate Robinson or Janine Fitzgerald quoting reference RF0264:

Kate Robinson, Director

T: +61 409 769 560

E: krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au or

Janine Fitzgerald, Director

T: +61 424 164 765

E: jfitzgerald@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au

Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted directly to krobinson@robinsonfitzgerald.com.au by the closing date of 20th April 2026. Please refer to the candidate information brochure and position description for further details.

Click to view the Candidate Information Brochure for this role.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Applications Close

Monday 20 April 2026 11:59 PM