With a legacy of pioneering research, transformative teaching and real-world impact, the University of Surrey has consistently produced graduates and discoveries that change practice and change lives. Ambitious, growing and increasingly influential on the global stage, we are driving forward the bold ambitions of the University’s Vision 2041 with a continuing positive impact on society and the planet.
Central to our ambitions is the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, home to 650 staff and 5,500 students across five Schools: Biosciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine. Building on our unique diversity in health professions and sciences, our aim is to develop health professionals with a core ethos of team science to drive substantial growth in our research activity and impact.
The Opportunity
We are now seeking an exceptional Head of School of Health Sciences to lead the School through its next phase of growth, visibility, and distinction. The School will play a central role in delivering the ambitions of the faculty, and this will be a key leadership role at a pivotal moment for health education and research in Surrey and across the region.
Our ambition is to grow the School of Health Sciences as a leading centre for healthcare teaching, research and innovation, where academics address global health priorities and generate evidence for effective, compassionate, integrated care. We take a whole-society approach to health and wellbeing, using state-of-the-art facilities and strong partnerships to tackle current and future challenges.
As Head of School, you will sit on the Faculty Executive Board, providing strategic leadership across a diverse programme portfolio and driving excellence in teaching and research, together with developing and strengthening collaborations with strategic health partners. You will work closely with our newly established Medical School and oversee major strategic initiatives in education and research.
You will be highly visible across the sector, leading collaborative work with NHS partners, Integrated Care Boards, local councils, Health Innovation Kent, Sussex, Surrey, charities, industry and patient communities. Through innovative programme and workforce development, you will help shape the next generation of healthcare professionals in line with the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan and evolving societal health needs.
The successful post holder will bring a substantial and credible academic track record in a health-related discipline, alongside proven experience of research leadership and strategic change. We are looking for an inspiring, research-active leader who can articulate a compelling vision for the School of Health Sciences and generate genuine enthusiasm, confidence, and “buy-in” among staff, students, and partners.
Why Surrey
You will be joining a diverse, welcoming and genuinely collaborative community, at a university with the ambition of a rising global player. This is an opportunity to take up a role of real strategic significance, to lead, build, and to define the future of health professionals and research at an exciting moment for the university.
This is a permanent Professorial level academic appointment, with the Head of School role responsibility held for an initial period of five years with potential for a further extension. Following completion of the Head of School of Health Sciences tenure the post holder will return to a standard academic professorial portfolio although further leadership roles will offer opportunities for continued career progression. We welcome applications from all academic areas related to health care and the role attracts a pensionable responsibility allowance.
If you are an ambitious, collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of health education and research in a forward-looking, values-driven university, we would be delighted to hear from you.
How to Apply
Global executive search firm Perrett Laver have been appointed to support the University of Surrey in this appointment. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, including requesting documentation in an alternative format, please contact Urvashi Ramphul at Urvashi.Ramphul@perrettlaver.com.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, outlining your leadership accomplishments and intended five-year research vison to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8576. From here you can request more information, including the full recruitment pack.
The deadline for applications is 23:59pm BST on Monday, 5th October 2026.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 18th November 2026.
The University of Surrey is committed to an inclusive environment offering equal opportunities for all and particularly encourages applications from under‑represented groups.
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