Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Life Sciences

About the role

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.

The College has over 1300 staff and 4000 students and comprises 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive the Citizens of Change strategy and vision across the UK and internationally.
• Secure financial sustainability and deliver sustained growth for the College and University.
• Drive innovation, lead strategic business development opportunities and partnerships, including collaborations with national and international stakeholders in education, research, government and industry.
• Lead change and deliver against the strategic priorities of the University.
• Report directly to the Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor and serve as a member of the University Executive Board.

Qualifications

• Highly credible academic with a successful track record in research and teaching.
• Outstanding leadership skills and strategic development and management experience gained in a research intensive environment.
• Accomplished communicator capable of leading, inspiring and motivating colleagues and driving change.
• Commitment to enhancing the student experience and improving the working environment for staff, ensuring academic excellence across diverse disciplines.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor by email on .

Application process

• Curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history and achievements.
• Two page covering letter describing how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, reasons for your interest in the role and what you would like to achieve.
• 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.

Diversity and inclusion

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 are committed to the wellbeing of all 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.

Vacancy terms

Full time, Permanent. The appointment is initially for a four year period with the potential for a further four year term, then offered as a professorial role.