Head of School, School of Biomedical Engineering

Job Description:

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is seeking an accomplished and collaborative academic leader to take on the role of Head of School for the School of Biomedical Engineering. Reporting to the Dean, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership, shaping the School’s direction and driving excellence in research, education, and industry engagement within a supportive and inclusive environment.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to guide the future direction of a globally recognised school at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and biology. You will build on existing strengths to enhance research performance, advance excellence in teaching and student experience, deepen clinical and industry partnerships, and position the School for sustained impact in rapidly evolving areas of healthcare and technology.

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a distinguished career in academia featuring significant research publications, teaching excellence, and leadership roles in an academic institution.

• Full time
• Fixed term – 5 years with an underlying continuing (permanent) Professorial appointment
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

About the Faculty of Engineering:

At UNSW Engineering, we are a community of innovators, creators, and problem-solvers shaping a better future. Our culture is defined by collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to delivering engineering solutions with real-world impact.

• World-Leading Impact: As one of the largest and most influential engineering faculties in Australia, we deliver research and education that transform industries, communities, and lives.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Our research spans areas such as renewable energy, robotics, biomedical engineering, and smart infrastructure, addressing global challenges through practical and scalable solutions.
• Industry Connection: We maintain strong partnerships with industry and government, enabling translation of research into real-world outcomes and providing meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Innovative Learning Culture: We foster an environment that supports creativity, experimentation, and hands-on learning, preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
• Women in Engineering: UNSW’s Women in Engineering program is a flagship initiative supporting the participation, retention, and advancement of women through mentoring, leadership development, and industry engagement.
• Global Recognition: UNSW Engineering is consistently ranked among the top engineering faculties globally, reflecting our commitment to excellence and impact.
• Purpose-Driven Careers: Our staff contribute to meaningful work that creates lasting change, both locally and globally, within a collegial and supportive community.

About the School of Biomedical Engineering:

The School of Biomedical Engineering is a leader in advancing healthcare through engineering innovation, delivering research and education that improve human health and transform healthcare systems.

• National Leader: The School is recognised as a leading centre for biomedical innovation in Australia, with strong research performance and high-quality teaching.
• Health-Focused Innovation: Research strengths include medical devices, biomaterials, tissue engineering, medical imaging, bionics, and digital health.
• Global Impact: The School contributes to life-changing technologies that shape healthcare in Australia and internationally.
• World-Class Facilities: Staff and students have access to advanced laboratories, prototyping capabilities, and specialised research infrastructure.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: The School works closely with clinicians, hospitals, industry partners, and government to translate research into practice.
• Student-Centred Excellence: Programs combine strong engineering foundations with interdisciplinary, project-based learning.
• Strong Reputation: Graduates are recognised for their technical expertise, innovation mindset, and ability to contribute to emerging health technologies.

Why Your Role Matters:

As Head of School, you will shape the future of biomedical engineering at UNSW by providing strategic, academic, and operational leadership. You will foster an inclusive and high-performing culture, strengthen research and teaching excellence, and build partnerships that enhance impact.

• Leadership: Guide and support a diverse academic community, setting a clear vision and fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Strategy & Planning: Lead the development and implementation of the School’s strategic and operational plans, ensuring alignment with Faculty and University priorities.
• Research: Strengthen research performance, funding, and global reputation, with a focus on translation and impact.
• Education: Enhance student experience and outcomes across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Academic Development: Grow capability in research, education, and external engagement, supporting staff development, mentoring, and succession.
• Engagement: Build and strengthen relationships with industry, healthcare providers, government, and the broader community.
• Operations & Resources: Oversee financial, staffing, and infrastructure resources to ensure sustainable growth and effective delivery of the School’s objectives.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in a senior leadership role that will shape the future of biomedical engineering at UNSW, please click the “Apply Now” button. Submit your CV, a cover letter, responses to the skills and experience (outlined in the position description), and a vision statement (maximum 3 pages) outlining your plans for the next 2 and 5 years.

Additional details about the responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description available via JOBS@UNSW.

Please note that applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Get in Touch:

Eugene Aves – Talent Acquisition Partner

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 5th July 2026

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, including working from home, for eligible staff. UNSW provides 26 weeks of fully paid maternity or primary carers leave upon commencement of employment (subject to eligibility). UNSW is committed to enhancing the experience of ECAs by providing a supportive and collegial work environment and a dedicated framework to deliver support services to assist their research, teaching, and career development. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.