Head of School, Materials Science and Engineering

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best.

This job is based in Australia.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

THIS ROLE IS LOCATED IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

The Faculty of Science is a large and one of the most complex faculties of UNSW Sydney. It comprises the Schools of Aviation, Biological Earth & Environmental Science (BEES), Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Mathematics & Statistics, Physics and Psychology. It also includes a number of major Research Centres and field stations.

The School of Materials Science & Engineering comprises of approximately 30 continuing academic and professional staff, and approximately 45 contractual academic and professional staff. The School is currently placed at #1 in the QS World University ranking by subject in 2025. The school’s research groups are highly interconnected, with frequent interactions with other schools and faculties both inside and outside UNSW.

The Head of School role is the key integration point between the UNSW 2025 Strategy’s strategic priorities of academic excellence, social & industry engagement and global impact, and the delivery of those priorities through the work of our staff and students and engagement with key external stakeholders. Primarily, this is achieved through integrated strategic planning, fostering an environment in which innovation and creativity can thrive, people‑centred leadership and sound management of resources.

• Senior Level Appointment for the term plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Includes an underlying continuing Academic position at Level D/E
• Fixed Term – 5 years
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

The Head of School reports directly to the Faculty Dean to shape and realise the strategic priorities and performance of the university. The academic staff of the School report to the Head of School who is supported by the School leadership team which includes a School Manager and a Deputy Head of School. The School Manager is responsible for the administrative and operational management of the School in collaboration with the Head of School and Faculty Executive Director.

• Developing a strategic vision for the School that is aligned to both the Faculty strategic plan, with the view of strengthening the School’s (leading) position in Australia and all over the world.
• Contribute to the formulation of the Faculty strategic plan by providing strategic advice on external engagement, research and educational priorities.
• Lead and influence industry partners and research end‑users to facilitate the development of sustainable industry‑supported collaborations that lead to innovative technological outcomes.

• Drive the overall academic performance of the School in meeting the University’s objectives, specifically through:
  • Attracting high calibre students at the undergraduate and postgraduate level (including higher degree research students), and lifelong learners, consistent with the University’s student and revenue targets.
  • Enhancing the research profile of the School by improving the quality and quantity of research output including the proportion of research active staff, the quantity and size of research grants, the number and quality of publications and appropriate measures of impact such as citations.
  • Developing financially beneficial new programs and courses in collaboration with academic staff and the Faculty in order to continually meet stakeholder requirements for global graduates.
  • Identifying new prospects to collaborate with education, research and industry partners, and pursue opportunities for knowledge exchange and technology transfer where possible.
  • Growing the international presence and reputation of the School.

• Build a strategic vision for the School and engage staff within the School to realise that strategic vision.
• Engage School staff to establish and maintain a collegial, supportive…