DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES
REFERENCE NO. 804/0315

Lead the new School of Life and Environmental Sciences, as part of an innovative grouping across three faculties at the University of Sydney – Science, Agriculture and Environment, and Veterinary Science, who together comprise the Division of Natural Sciences. The School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES) will bring scientists together across disciplines to solve the biggest challenges facing our planet. A proposed building project will ensure this new grouping will also enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and will work in new purpose-designed buildings.

SOLES is a large and diverse school consisting of five clusters (Animal Sciences Cluster; Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology Cluster; Ecology, Evolution and Environment Cluster; Microbiology Cluster, Plant Sciences Cluster) and a program in Dietetics.

SOLES will commence operation on 1 January 2016 and is a unification of academic staff across the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Veterinary Science, and Schools of Biological Sciences and Molecular Bioscience in the Faculty of Science. SOLES will facilitate the teaching and research needs of the three DNS faculties.

The Head of School, working closely with the DNS deans and the relevant faculty executive groups is responsible for providing academic leadership for the school, including overall financial and operational responsibility. The Head of School will supervise the cluster chairs within the school and the school administrative team, and help lead and foster a strong collaborative culture focused on academic excellence across both teaching and research, including curriculum management and reform, research development and mentorship, and effective financial management and revenue generation.

The Head of School will be required to advocate for teaching and research in the life and environmental sciences of the higher education sector and the broader community. The successful candidate will join the six other heads of school as a key member of the senior divisional leadership group, including relevant faculty executive committees. The Head of School will assume a significant leadership position in the work of the Division of Natural Sciences, helping to promote effective cooperation across the schools’ and the faculties according to the division’s strategic objectives.

Join this exciting new group from the start, leading researchers addressing the big multidisciplinary questions in areas such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, epigenetics, the causes of disease, maintaining ecosystems, food security, and demands on food production systems.

TERM & REMUNERATION

The headship is available for a term of four years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal, subject to negotiation. The successful candidate will also be offered a professorial appointment in an appropriate discipline in the school and will retain that position at the conclusion of their headship.

APPLY

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/recruitment and search by the reference number for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 11.30pm 2 August 2015 (Sydney time)

The University is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups, including women and people with disabilities are encouraged. As the University of Sydney has established a scheme to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed across the institution, applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are also encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.