Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Life Sciences

The University of Leicester is renowned for its world-changing research and high-quality, inspirational teaching, and proud to have been awarded a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting our outstanding student experience and outcomes. Our commitment to excellence has also been recognised through recent accolades, including being named the Daily Mail University of the Year 2025 and shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2024.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Life Sciences. The College has over 1300 staff and 4000 students and comprises of four Schools: Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Healthcare, Medical Sciences (including the Leicester Medical School, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025), and Psychology and Vision Sciences. The College is a thriving community of academic expertise based in laboratory, clinical, health and social science settings and plays a central role in the University's strategic partnerships with NHS Trusts and international collaborators. Researchers within the College have international reputations and collaborations, making it an exciting environment for both research and teaching. This is highlighted by our strong performance in the Research Excellence Framework in 2021, where we were placed 2nd in Units of Assessment 1 (Clinical Medicine) and 24 (Sports and Exercise Science), and in the National Student Survey, where the Medical School was placed 1st for student positivity in 2024 and in 2025.

The role of Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College for Life Sciences at the University of Leicester will lead and drive an ambitious Citizens of Change: Our second century | University of Leicester strategy and vision across the UK and internationally, leaving an impressive footprint in the delivery of our Research Inspired Education, 'Our Citizens' and World Leading Research. You will focus on securing the financial sustainability and excellent performance for the College, navigating priorities and delivering sustained growth for the College and University.

Reporting directly to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, you will be a member of the University Executive Board.  In this role you will drive innovation, lead on strategic business development opportunities and partnerships including active collaborations with national and international stakeholders in education, research, government and industry.

About you

This is a high profile and pivotal appointment for the institution and an exciting opportunity for a highly credible academic, with a successful track record in research and teaching, together with outstanding leadership skills, strategic development and management experience gained in a research-intensive environment.

You will be an accomplished communicator who can lead, inspire and motivate colleagues, and crucially you must be capable of leading change and delivering against the strategic priorities of the University. You will be committed to enhancing the student experience and improving the working environment for staff, ensuring academic excellence, in all its forms, across the diverse disciplines. This role presents an opportunity to have a real impact on a vital and ambitious institution.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor by email on [email protected]

Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history and achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a two page covering letter describing briefly how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, the reasons for your interest in the role and what you'd like to achieve in the role. 
 
The first selection stage will take place remotely on 13 February 2026, with the final selection stage taking place in-person on 27 February 2026.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you'll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We're committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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