"Head of School of Computing"

PRIMARY DETAIL

Lead the School of Computing with purpose and impact to ensure further growth and long term success for academics, researchers and students.

• Faculty leadership position
• Full time, 5 year senior appointment
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Build Capability. Champion Educational and Research Innovation with Impact.

Macquarie University is seeking an accomplished and visionary academic leader to join our Faculty of Science and Engineering as Head of School of Computing. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the trajectory of one of Australia’s fastest-growing computing schools, driving innovation in education, research and industry engagement at a time of transformative change in digital technologies.

About The Role

As Head of School, you will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership, shaping a compelling vision that positions the School at the forefront of global computing education and research.

Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, you will:

• Lead and inspire a diverse community of academic and professional staff
• Drive strategic growth in teaching, research and industry engagement
• Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across the University
• Advance applied, industry-relevant programs and partnerships
• Foster a culture of excellence, inclusion and innovation
• Oversee financial, workforce and resource planning

This is a rare opportunity to lead a School poised for its next phase of growth and impact in one of the most dynamic and strategically important disciplines of our time.

About You

You are an authentic, future-focused leader with:

• A distinguished academic profile and peer recognition in a relevant computing discipline
• Proven experience leading through change and building high-performing teams
• Strategic insight into emerging trends in computing and interdisciplinary research
• A strong track record in curriculum innovation and educational leadership
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships with industry, government and funders
• Operational acumen in managing budgets, workforce planning and performance
• A values-driven, inclusive leadership style that builds trust and morale

You are recognised as a builder and change agent — someone who can unite diverse teams around a shared purpose and position the School for long-term success.

Find out more about the position of Head of School of Computing including the selection criteria by reading our Digital Candidate Brochure.

About the Faculty and School

The Faculty of Science and Engineering is driven by innovation and impact. Our distinctive pairing of science and engineering enables research discoveries to translate directly into technological application through strong industry, government and commercial partnerships.

The School of Computing is the Faculty’s second-largest school and has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrolments increasing by almost 150% since 2021. All coursework programs are accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Research strengths span computing education, cybersecurity, AI and data science, human-computer interaction, networking and mobile systems. Our data science and AI discipline is ranked in the top 100 globally (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025). The School plays a major role in the University’s Cyber Security Hub and hosts research centres in advanced drone systems, applied AI and frontier AI research.

How to apply

Please apply online and attach your resume and a separate cover letter that outlines how your experience is aligned to the role against the selection criteria found in the Digital Candidate Brochure.

*Please note this position requires a range of background checks.

For a confidential conversation please contact Sarah Bate, Head of Talent Acquisition via sarah.bate@mq.edu.au.

Applications Close: 6th April 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT