Head of School - School of Biomedical Engineering

This Job is based in Australia. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is seeking an accomplished and collaborative academic leader to take on the role of Head of School for the School of Biomedical Engineering. Reporting to the Dean, you will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership, shaping the School’s direction and driving excellence in research, education, and industry engagement within a supportive and inclusive environment.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to guide the future direction of a globally recognised school at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and biology. You will build on existing strengths to enhance research performance, advance excellence in teaching and student experience, deepen clinical and industry partnerships, and position the School for sustained impact in rapidly evolving areas of healthcare and technology.

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a distinguished career in academia featuring significant research publications, teaching excellence, and leadership roles in an academic institution.

• Full time
• Fixed term – 5 years with an underlying continuing (permanent) Professorial appointment
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia

Why Your Role Matters

As Head of School, you will shape the future of biomedical engineering at UNSW by providing strategic, academic, and operational leadership. You will foster an inclusive and high-performing culture, strengthen research and teaching excellence, and build partnerships that enhance impact.

• Leadership: Guide and support a diverse academic community, setting a clear vision and fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Strategy & Planning: Lead the development and implementation of the School’s strategic and operational plans, ensuring alignment with Faculty and University priorities.
• Research: Strengthen research performance, funding, and global reputation, with a focus on translation and impact.
• Education: Enhance student experience and outcomes across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Academic Development: Grow capability in research, education, and external engagement, supporting staff development, mentoring, and succession.
• Engagement: Build and strengthen relationships with industry, healthcare providers, government, and the broader community.
• Operations & Resources: Oversee financial, staffing, and infrastructure resources to ensure sustainable growth and effective delivery of the School’s objectives.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options, including working from home, for eligible staff. UNSW provides 26 weeks of fully paid maternity or primary carers leave upon commencement of employment (subject to eligibility). UNSW is committed to enhancing the experience of ECAs by providing a supportive and collegial work environment and a dedicated framework to deliver support services to assist their research, teaching, and career development. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.