Vice-Dean and Head of the School of Medical Sciences

Help shape the future of health, discovery and education at Manchester.

Two Schools. Two leadership opportunities.

The University of Manchester is seeking two outstanding academic leaders to join the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) as Vice-Dean and Head of School, leading either the School of Medical Sciences or the School of Health Sciences. These are significant leadership opportunities at a pivotal moment for our university, our faculty and the wider health and higher education sectors.

As one of the UK's largest and most comprehensive faculties of its kind, FBMH brings together world leading research, outstanding education and powerful partnerships across healthcare, industry and communities. Through Manchester 2035, we are advancing knowledge, improving lives and delivering meaningful social, economic and environmental impact through research, education and innovation.

Lead with purpose
As Vice-Dean and Head of School, you will provide visible, inclusive and values-led leadership to your School, setting strategic direction and creating the conditions for colleagues and students to thrive.
You will lead your School's contribution to the ambitions of FBMH and the University, driving excellence in research, education, innovation, knowledge exchange, public engagement and social responsibility. Working across disciplines and organisational boundaries, you will help shape solutions to some of the most pressing health and societal challenges of our time.
As a member of the Faculty Executive and the University's extended leadership community, you will influence institutional strategy and decision making. Working closely with the Dean, Faculty colleagues and the Director of School Operations, you will lead change, align priorities and build a sustainable future for your School.
You will also strengthen relationships across the NHS, Greater Manchester's health and care system, industry, government, civic organisations and academic partners, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and impact.

What you will bring
You will be an accomplished academic leader with a strong track record of achievement and experience of leading within a complex research, education or healthcare environment.
• Academic distinction and credibility.
• Strategic vision and the ability to translate ambition into delivery.
• Experience of leading change and developing inclusive, high-performing cultures.
• Strong financial, operational and organisational leadership capability.
• The ability to inspire, engage and develop colleagues and students.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to partnership working.

Above all, you will be a leader who builds trust, enables others to succeed and brings people together behind a shared ambition.

Join Manchester. Shape what comes next.

These appointments offer a rare opportunity to lead ambitious Schools within a globally recognised Faculty and to help shape the future of health, discovery and education at one of the world's leading universities.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to make a lasting difference through academic leadership, we would welcome your application.

How to apply and further information:
To apply, please submit your application through the University of Manchester’s jobs website, ref: BMH-032454, including a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role against the criteria in the Candidate Brochure, available on our website.

Please note: These are separate appointments for the School of Medical Sciences and the School of Health Sciences. Please indicate in your cover letter if you would like to be considered a specific School or for both. The Candidate Brochure provides further information about the roles, with applications assessed in the context of the School you would lead.

Closing date: 15th November 2026 at midnight.

For further information or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact Rosie Harmshaw at View email address on nature.com.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please contact us using the email address above to discuss how we can support you.