Dean, School of Physical Sciences

University of California Irvine
Dean, School of Physical Sciences

The University of California, Irvine (UCI), among the nation's top public research universities and part of the world-renowned University of California system, seeks an inspiring, visionary, and strategic scholar‑administrator to serve as Dean of the School of Physical Sciences (SPS). The Dean is the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for its four departments:
Chemistry, Earth System Science, Mathematics, and Physics & Astronomy. The Dean will advance excellence in teaching, research, and service; support faculty recruitment, retention, and development; and ensure a dynamic and inclusive learning environment for students. Collaborating with campus leadership, the Dean will foster interdisciplinary partnerships, champion inclusive excellence, and strengthen connections with industry, alumni, and philanthropic partners. The Dean will also oversee budgetary and operational management, guiding the School toward sustainable growth and national leadership in discovery and innovation.

Salary range: $400,000—450,000. Review timeline:
January 2026 – June 2026.

Open date:
October 24, 2025.
Next review date:
Monday, Nov 24 2025 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Applications will be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

• A PhD (or international equivalent) and a distinguished record of scholarship in the physical sciences.
• A proven record of leadership within research‑intensive environments, such as serving as a department chair, program director, dean, associate dean, or comparable international role.
• Experience advancing interdisciplinary educational and research initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding and generate resources to support research and academic priorities.
• A strong commitment to inclusive excellence and to the professional development of colleagues, faculty, staff, and students.
• Experience contributing to and leading strategic planning efforts.
• Experience in managing budgets and the ability to work with school administration and the central budget office to develop and forecast future financial plans.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $400,000—450,000 with a generous benefits package. To learn more about UC Irvine's offerings, please visit our Human Resources website.

To express interest, please submit a CV to: ucirvined Suggestions of candidates and questions may be submitted to the search team directly at the same email. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.

Ruth Shoemaker Wood, PhD, Managing Director
Susan Kart, PhD, Senior Associate
DSG | Storbeck
ucirvined

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti‑discrimination policy. For more information visit our Division of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.

Irvine, CA

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