Job Title: Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean – Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
Department/School: Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
Campus: Any
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 9am, Monday, 13th October 2025
Reference Number: 038126
– ABOUT US –
We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.
Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation, and technology and knowledge transfer.
– THE ROLE –
The University wishes to appoint an outstanding individual to lead our award-winning Faculty of Life and Health Sciences. The position offers an exciting opportunity for an energetic and dynamic individual to be the primary ambassador for the University in the health sector.
The Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean – Faculty of Life and Health Sciences will be the primary ambassador for the Faculty externally. Through an understanding of, and in partnership with, the life and health sciences sector, they will lead the development of the Universitys taught provision, research, and knowledge transfer activities. The role involves high-level engagement with government departments in the NI Executive and Irish Government, negotiating the commissioning and workforce planning of nursing, allied health and medical school places. The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial approach to course development and extensive experience of leading major transformation projects.
Within the University, the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean – Faculty of Life and Health Sciences will be the Universitys agent within the Faculty, rather than the Facultys agent within the Senior Leadership Team. They will manage the Schools in the Faculty, supported by Associate Deans and a Director of Faculty Operations.
The post holder will have an inclusive, determined, inspirational, authentic and BRAVE* approach to leadership, whilst embracing the Universitys values of Integrity, Inclusion, Developing Potential, and Collaboration. They will lead a cost-effective and high-performance culture based on continuous improvement. They will play a leading strategic role in shaping the Facultys contribution to the University’s strategy and external engagement. They must be at ease in navigating uncertainty, good at influencing up and across the organisation, and excited to work with a high degree of autonomy.
The successful candidate will have excellent personal agency, be an exemplary corporate leader and be a confident and collegial partner who is trusted to deliver.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson – Manjit Lalli.
*BRAVE Ulster Universitys leadership competencies:
Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Versatile, and Empowering
– ABOUT YOU –
The postholder will be required to have:
– An academic and/or professional profile that meets the Universitys criteria for appointment at the level of Professor.
– Academic or professional qualifications that are synergistic with the role and the subject areas of the Faculty.
Please find our employee benefits on our website.
Athena Swan Statement
Ulster University holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education, read more on our website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family-friendly working environment, including flexible working.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson. Full instructions, including the CV, supporting statement and video submission, are available on the Ulster University recruitment page and the GatenbySanderson website.
