Reader / Deputy Head of Department (Natural Sciences) - Manchester, United Kingdom - Manchester Metropolitan University

Description

We are recruiting a Reader in Natural Sciences as Deputy Head of Department for a fixed-term four-year role before reverting back to a permanent Reader position within the Department at the end of this term.

About us:

Our Faculty of Science and Engineering offers a world-class teaching environment covering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. With genuine trailblazing specialisms, our research has real-world impact and cultivates lasting relationships with businesses, the government, sports organisations and the general public to share our innovation and expertise.

The Department of Natural Sciences has over 100 members of academic staff and delivers courses to over 1000 students across Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes. Our courses range across Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Geography with MSc courses in Advanced Materials, Animal Behaviour, Conservation Biology, Zoo Conservation Biology and Environmental Sustainability. We are a leading provider of the Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship BSc Bioscience and BSc Chemical Science programmes. In addition, we opened a Joint Education Institute with our partner Hubei University in 2021 and contribute to the teaching of the BSc Chemistry and MSc Advanced Materials degrees as part of this initiative.

The Department has research strengths in species conservation, environmental change, adaptation and resilience, nature-based solutions, sustainable environments, urban and social geography, advanced functional materials, energy storage and conversion technologies. In the REF2021, we were rated 5th for research impact in Unit of Assessment 7 (Earth Systems and Environmental Science). We are ambitious to build on our REF21 successes and to grow our areas of strength.

The Opportunity:

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who is committed to providing an excellent learning experience for our students and contribute to the research ambitions in the Department of Natural Sciences. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in Environmental Sustainability, Climate Management, Climate Resilience, Molecular Biology or Conservation Genetics.

The Deputy Head of the Department of Natural Sciences is part of the Department's senior academic leadership team. The role holder will work closely with the Head of Department to shape and lead the strategic direction of the department. The role holder will additionally oversee the operational priorities of the department, working closely with other members of the department's leadership team. You will have the leadership skills, ambition and experience to support the development and delivery of the department's strategic objectives and a high commitment to excellence in education and research. You will have a sustained track record of excellence in research and education, combined with excellent skills in leadership, team working and collaboration.

This post is at a Reader level; the Deputy Head of Department role is fixed term for four years with the post-holder reverting back to a permanent Reader post within the Department at the end of this term. It is expected that the role holder will maintain an academic profile on our research, education and citizenship pathway commensurate with a Reader level. Whilst undertaking the Deputy Head of Department role, you will also receive an additional Honorarium payment for this fixed term period of four years.

Interview process:

Interview date is to be determined however this will be a 2-stage process. The first stage will involve a presentation and interview with a panel. Following this, there will be a second stage interview for selected candidates with the Head of Department of Natural Sciences and Faculty of Science and Engineering Pro-Vice Chancellor.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and covering letter via the online portal, outlining how you meet the role requirements of Deputy Head and Reader.

Further information:

Information about the Department can be found on our homepage ( and more details of our research activities can be found on the webpages for research ( Sustainability research ( the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre ( and Print City ).

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact the Head of Department, Dr Lindsey J. Munro )

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring and particularly encourage applications from groups which are underrepresented in the University workforce.

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.