Head of School, Math & Physics - Visionary Leader

Physics World; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Queensland invites applications for the position of Professor and Head of School, School of Mathematics and Physics. You will provide visionary academic and organisational leadership for one of Australia’s leading mathematics and physics communities.

You will shape the School’s strategic direction, champion teaching, research and engagement, and inspire a diverse, high-performing community of academics, researchers and students.

Qualifications

• Accomplished and inspiring academic leader with a PhD or equivalent qualification.
• International reputation for excellence across teaching, research, and engagement.
• Strong record in teaching quality, influential research, funding, and supervising Higher Degree by Research.
• Credibility to lead a large and diverse academic community while maintaining scholarly standing.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary academic and organizational leadership for the School of Mathematics and Physics.
• Shape the School’s strategic direction and champion excellence in teaching, research and engagement.
• Foster an environment where innovation thrives, partnerships flourish and staff and students thrive.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

People leadership

Strategic leadership

Resource management

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

• Faculty of Science | School of Mathematics and Physics
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term appointment for five years with an underlying continuing Teaching and Research appointment at Academic Level E
• Based at our St Lucia Campus
  
  

Job Details

• Faculty of Science | School of Mathematics and Physics
• Full-time (100%), fixed-term appointment for five years with an underlying continuing Teaching and Research appointment at Academic Level E
• Based at our St Lucia Campus
  
  

About This Opportunity

Join a community where curiosity, discovery and impact come together. As Professor and Head of School, School of Mathematics and Physics, you will provide visionary academic and organisational leadership for one of Australia’s leading mathematics and physics communities. This is a rare opportunity to shape the School’s strategic direction, champion excellence in teaching, research and engagement, and inspire a diverse and high-performing academic community. Working alongside talented academic and professional staff, you will foster an environment where innovation thrives, partnerships flourish, and future generations of scientists, educators and researchers are empowered to create meaningful change.

The School of Mathematics and Physics is a vibrant, multidisciplinary community with strengths across mathematics, statistics, physics and astrophysics. Home to more than 120 academic staff, dedicated professional teams and a substantial postgraduate research cohort, the School is recognised for world-class teaching, impactful research and strong engagement with industry, government and community partners. As a collaborative, ambitious and globally connected leader, you will help shape the next chapter of excellence while contributing to UQ’s vision of knowledge leadership for a better world.

For more information about this opportunity, please click here to view the information pack.

About You

You are an accomplished and inspiring academic leader with a PhD or equivalent qualification in a discipline aligned to the School and an international reputation for excellence. Your outstanding record spans high-quality teaching, influential research, successful research funding, publication performance and effective Higher Degree by Research supervision. You bring the credibility and confidence required to lead a large and diverse academic community while maintaining your own academic standing.

You are a visionary, inclusive and collaborative leader who excels at building relationships, shaping organisational culture and delivering strategic outcomes. With highly developed interpersonal, communication and people leadership skills, you have demonstrated success leading complex organisations, driving innovation, managing resources responsibly and creating environments where staff and students thrive. You are committed to fostering excellence, supporting career development, advancing equity and inclusion, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to positive outcomes for communities locally, nationally and globally.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers.

As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

Interested?

If you’d like to have a confidential discussion, please contact Caitlin Savage, Principal Consultant, Executive Recruitment via [e-mail].

To submit an application for this role, go to the UQ Careers portal and use the Apply button.

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume, cover letter, and responses to the selection criteria.

Other Information

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. Academic appointments will also be subject to verification of the highest academic qualification from the conferring institution. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Relocating from interstate or overseas? We may support you with obtaining employer-sponsored work rights and a relocation support package. You can find out more about life in Australia’s Sunshine State here.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity.

We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

Applications close: Sunday 11 October at 11.00pm AEST (R-67591).