Professor and Head of School, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences

• Faculty of Science | School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences 

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term appointment for five years with an underlying continuing Teaching and Research appointment at Academic Level E 

• Based at our St Lucia Campus 

About This Opportunity 

The University of Queensland is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as Professor and Head of School, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB). This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Australia's most respected centres for education and discovery across the chemical, molecular and biological sciences. Reporting to the Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, you will provide visionary leadership that advances the School’s strategic direction, strengthens its global reputation, and inspires excellence across research, teaching, engagement and impact. 

Home to world-class researchers, educators and professional staff, SCMB delivers outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate education while advancing research that addresses some of society’s most pressing challenges, including human health, biotechnology, sustainability, agriculture and the environment. As Head of School, you will join a collaborative, ambitious and future-focused community and work alongside talented colleagues, students, industry partners, government stakeholders and global collaborators to create meaningful change. You will foster a culture that is inclusive, innovative and supportive, empowering established and emerging leaders to thrive while driving exceptional outcomes for the School, Faculty and University. 

For more information about this opportunity, please view the information pack. 

About You 

You are an outstanding academic leader with an international reputation for excellence in one or more disciplines represented within the School. Holding a PhD or equivalent qualification, you will bring a strong and active record of achievement in teaching, research, publications, competitive grant success and higher degree by research supervision. You will be recognised as a visionary and purposeful leader who combines scholarly distinction with the ability to inspire, influence and unite diverse communities around a shared goal. 

You will have demonstrated success leading large and complex academic environments, with highly developed interpersonal, communication and people leadership skills. Your experience will include shaping positive organisational culture, building productive relationships across industry, government and the broader community, and managing finances, operations and human resources effectively. An inquisitive and collaborative mindset, coupled with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, will enable you to lead with integrity while enhancing the School’s standing, supporting outstanding teaching and research outcomes, and fostering meaningful engagement locally, nationally and globally. 

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

Interested?

If you’d like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Caitlin Savage (Principal Consultant, Executive Recruitment) via executiverecruitment@uq.edu.au. When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the selection criteria.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing executiverecruitment@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Sunday 25 October at 11.00pm AEST (R-69191).