Professor of Biological Science and Head of Department

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School of Life Science and the Environment (Central)

Location
Egham

Salary
Competitive, starting at £85,000 per annum.

London Allowance of £2,590 per annum is payable in addition to salary.

Post Type
Full Time

Hours per Week
35

Weeks per Year
52

Closing Date
23.59 hours BST on Sunday 26 April 2026

Reference
0326-102

Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Professor Post: Full-Time, Permanent. Head of Department Post: Full-Time, Fixed 5-year term.

The Head of Department post is renewable for up to 3 additional years (subject to performance), after which the post holder will continue in their permanent academic role.

Royal Holloway, University of London, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced academic leader to help shape the next chapter of a vibrant, ambitious, and internationally recognised department.

The Department of Biological Sciences is home to more than 30 academic colleagues, supported by a thriving community of postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students. Our research addresses global challenges across four interconnected themes:

• Healthy Ageing and Molecular Medicine,
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services,
• Sustainable Engineering and Food Security,
• Data and Technology Resources.

Our teams are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced imaging, mass spectrometry and bioinformatics platforms. Located on our biodiverse parkland campus with excellent access to London, the department offers an inspiring environment for interdisciplinary research, innovative education, and strong collaboration with external partners across academia, healthcare, and industry.

As Head of Department, you will translate the ambitions of RH2030s into clear, actionable departmental plans. You will lead their delivery and be responsible for the department’s academic direction, financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and overall success. You will also be accountable for effective resource allocation, workforce planning and ensuring the department’s long-term financial sustainability in line with University priorities.

Working closely with colleagues, you will ensure meaningful contributions to the University’s Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and Strategic Action Plans.

You will shape the department’s disciplinary identity and future development in partnership with academic colleagues and Professional Service teams, ensuring that the department’s values, priorities and operating approach are aligned with our vision to be a University of Social Purpose. You will also lead the effective planning, resource allocation and operational management, creating the conditions for innovation and excellence in research, education and student experience and outcomes. This includes oversight of student recruitment planning, promoting active student engagement and supporting continuous improvement informed by feedback such as NSS outcomes.

You will ensure the department is fully prepared for external assessments including REF, TEF and KEF, working in close partnership with the Faculty Dean and Associate Deans.

You will foster a culture that reflects our mission - championing inclusion, belonging and a supportive environment for colleagues and students alike. You will provide clear, values-led leadership and support the development, performance and wellbeing of academic staff, encouraging excellence, collaboration and accountability. As a part of the Faculty Executive, you will help strengthen collaboration across the Faculty of Science and maximise opportunities arising from the University’s new academic structures.

You will also ensure the Department operates in line with University policies and regulatory requirements, maintaining high standards of compliance in areas such as health and safety, ethics, data governance and codes of practice.

This role represents a significant opportunity within one of the University’s newly established departments, offering the chance to create the conditions for exceptional performance across research, education, and external engagement.

Who we are looking for

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong track record of leadership within higher education (e.g., prior head of department experience or equivalent).
• Excellence in research, evidenced by a world-class publication record and successful grant capture.
• A commitment to high-quality education and student experience.
• Expertise that either complements or strengthens one of our existing areas of strength in research.

The post is based in our beautiful Egham campus in Surrey, near Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance of London. We also offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans, and help with the cost of eyesight testing
• Free parking

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof. Hanna Zagefka, Faculty Dean, Faculty of Science: Hanna.Zagefkarhul.ac.uk

The RHUL Recruitment Team can be contacted with queries by email at recruitmentrhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0326-102

Closing Date: 23:59, 26 April 2026

Interview Date: 28 May 2026

Details about the selection process and timeline will be shared with candidates soon after the deadline.

We are seeking applicants to demonstrate how they match with criteria noted in both the Head of Department and Professor Job Description & Person Specification.

Further details: Recruitment Pack Job Description & Person Specification Professor Job Description & Person Specification HoD Email details to a friend This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page .

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