Head of School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

isepglobal; Leeds; On-site; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Leeds is seeking a Head of School for the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability. This role demands a visionary leader with a proven track record in research and education, who can effectively manage strategic opportunities and enhance the reputation of the School. Candidates must thrive in a collaborative environment and demonstrate strong leadership skills. The position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to academic excellence.

Benefits

Generous pension schemes

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Proven track record of excellence in research and/or student education.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Clear vision for academic leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the School, maximizing strategic opportunities.
• Participate in the University’s Leadership Forum and Faculty Executive Team.
• Promote a coordinated approach to academic development.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Strategic Planning

Academic Credibility

Education

PhD or equivalent in a relevant field

Job description

Overview

The University of Leeds was established in 1904 and is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK. It is renowned globally for the quality of its education and research across a wide breadth of disciplines. The University values ethical principles and a strong values-set, and views itself as a true community with more than 38,000 students from 170 countries, over 9,000 staff of 100 nationalities, and an alumni group of 281,000 in 190 countries. It is a member of the Russell Group and one of the UK\'s top ten research institutions.

The School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability (formerly known as the School of Earth and Environment) currently sits within the Faculty of the Environment. From September 2026, the School will be one of eight schools in the Faculty of Environment and Social Sciences, a new faculty comprising the current Faculty of Environment and Faculty of Social Sciences.

The School is a large and prominent academic group with a vision "to be a world-leading centre for high impact research and education in all areas of the earth and environment".

The School has five institutes that are academic homes for staff and PGR students:

• Sustainability Research Institute
• Earth Surface Science Institute
• Institute of Applied Geoscience
• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
• Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science

Each institute hosts academics, PGR students, several research clusters, active seminar series and social events. Research and student education are carried out within these entities, but there is also a tremendous amount of work that is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges.

The School performs extremely well on the world stage, as evidenced by exceptional performance in international rankings at the subject specific level. For example, in the QS World Subject Rankings 2025, the School is placed 20th for Earth and Marine Sciences, 59th for Environmental Sciences, 15th for Geology and 14th for Geophysics.

Role and responsibilities

The incoming Head of School will lead and manage the School, maximising strategic opportunities arising from the changing landscape of higher education and the University\'s strategic plan, whilst leading and delivering excellence in research and education. In addition, they will be an active member of the University\'s Leadership Forum and the Faculty Executive Team, thereby promoting a coordinated approach to delivering innovative strategic academic development. This is a significant and complex leadership role in the Faculty, and candidates must possess a clear vision that will engage others across the School, Faculty and University.

This requires individuals to thrive on working collaboratively in a busy and dynamic environment in order to enhance the reputation of the School. Academic credibility is essential, so a sustained track record of excellence in research and/or student education, combined with excellent skills in team working and collaboration are a must.

Benefits

The University of Leeds offers a range of benefits including generous pension schemes and family friendly policies. To learn more follow the link to our benefits website.

How to apply

To apply for the role, please submit:

• A supporting statement (no more than 3 sides of A4) providing your vision for the School and how your knowledge and expertise equip you to carry out the role set out in the role profile.
• A curriculum vitae, detailing your qualifications, experience and most recent publications.

The preferred method of application is online at https://jobs.leeds.ac.uk/ENVEE1862

For an informal, confidential discussion, please contact Professor Paul Johnson, Executive Dean Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Social Sciences [e-mail]

Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 16 March 2026