Head of The Mpls Division

2 weeks ago

Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom University of Oxford Full time

In MPLS, we are proud to be home to some of the most creative, innovative, and collaborative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academia today, whose work ranges from curiosity-driven research into fundamental scientific questions to addressing major societal and technological challenges such as developing new energy solutions, understanding climate change processes, or preserving biodiversity.


MPLS is a sizeable operation:

its 660 faculty, 1,200 researchers and 7,300 students work across the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering, and life sciences, supported by 1,000 professional services staff.

Its annual turnover is ~£350m.

The quality and impacts of our work are recognised in national and international rankings and in the many scientific honours awarded to our academics and researchers.

We are fully committed to nurturing the next generations of scientists through the education of students and outstanding support for early career researchers and to maintaining an inclusive environment for all.


As Head of Division you will lead and work with a broad range of colleagues to develop and sustain the breadth and depth of excellent research and education across our science portfolio, to attract the very best researchers and students to Oxford, and to enable all MPLS staff and students to achieve their scientific ambitions - whilst also setting the Division on a sound and sustainable financial footing.

In this, you will be supported by the Division's senior academic leadership team, Heads of Department and other senior academics and professional services teams in the MPLS Divisional Office.


You will have the academic standing necessary to gain the confidence of the MPLS community, and an inclusive approach to leadership - able to get the best out of others, to build effective relationships, and to harness collective effort to achieve shared goals.

You will also be a full member of the Vice Chancellor's senior leadership team and a key advocate and champion - within Oxford and on the (inter)national stage - for the MPLS Division and its departments, and the distinctive needs of modern scientific research and teaching.

You will be a strong negotiator and diplomat, able to achieve influence within a large and complex organisation.

You will be able to think strategically, critically appraise and constructively challenge the status quo, and identify opportunities for positive change.

Strong finance skills and the ability to take difficult decisions and persuade others are also essential.

12:00 UK time on

Monday 13 March, and interviews are expected to be held the last three days in March.

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