Executive Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences

University College London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global university in Greater London is seeking an Executive Dean for its Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences. The role involves setting a bold academic vision and championing excellence in education and research. The ideal candidate will possess a strong track record of strategic leadership in complex organizations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This major leadership position offers a significant opportunity to drive innovation and shape the future of the faculty.

Benefits

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Support for career development

Access to university resources

Qualifications

• Outstanding academic with an international reputation in relevant discipline.
• Strong track record of strategic leadership in large, complex organizations.
• Proven ability to enhance research quality and drive educational innovation.

Responsibilities

• Set direction for faculty's development and academic vision.
• Champion excellence across research, education, and innovation.
• Foster a strong sense of identity and community.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Strong political acumen

Financial insight

Research quality enhancement

Educational innovation

Education

Doctorate in a relevant faculty discipline

Job description

UCL is a world‑leading, global university with a community of more than 51,000 students from 150 countries and over 18,000 staff which pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries, and makes a positive impact on real‑world problems. We are consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation. We are ambitious for change and committed to taking ever bolder and more impactful interventions towards becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive university. UCL has recently outlined its approach to transformational change to ensure a sustainable future against a background of financial, sector and geopolitical challenges currently facing higher education today, the full detail of which can be found in UCL’s Strategic Plan 2022‑2027.

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Dean to lead UCL’s Faculty of Mathematical & Physical Sciences – a world‑class hub for the logical, experimental and mathematical study of our universe. Home to eight diverse, high‑performing departments and numerous institutes and centres including the London Centre for Nanotechnology, Institute for Materials Discovery, and the Thomas Young Centre, the faculty brings together outstanding disciplinary strength with distinctive interdisciplinary reach. Contributing to global endeavours from Euclid and JUICE to quantum technologies and climate modelling, the faculty has over 1,400 staff, 6,500 students and an annual turnover of £205m, playing a central role in UCL’s research power, education, and global reputation.

Firmly established among the UK’s leading mathematical and physical sciences faculties, UCL ranks in the top 5 in the UK for Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Earth & Marine Sciences, Geology, Geophysics, Materials Science, Physics & Astronomy and Statistics & Operational Research (QS 2025), with Chemistry placed 3rd in the UK for 4* outputs, and Mathematics and Statistical Science achieving 97.9% world‑leading or internationally excellent outputs in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

As Executive Dean, you will set the direction for the next chapter of the faculty’s development, shaping a bold, coherent academic vision and championing excellence across research, education and innovation. You will strengthen the faculty’s external profile, drive strategic positioning nationally and internationally, and ensure that estates and infrastructure decisions enable sustained growth. An inspiring and visible leader, you will foster a strong sense of identity and community, champion inclusion, and support colleagues to thrive. Responsible to UCL’s Council via the Vice Provost (Faculties) and the Provost, you will ensure the faculty’s continued success and contribute to the leadership of the university as a member of the University Management Committee.

This is a major leadership role requiring an outstanding academic with an international reputation in a relevant faculty discipline. You will bring a strong track record of strategic leadership in a large, complex organisation, with success in enhancing research quality, driving educational innovation, and building impactful partnerships. With strong political acumen and financial insight, you will have proven ability to navigate sector challenges with confidence, make well‑judged decisions, and represent the faculty effectively across UCL and beyond. Above all, you will share UCL’s commitment to transforming lives and societies through knowledge, and to securing the faculty’s place at the forefront of mathematical and physical sciences globally.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and– for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

How to apply

UCL is supported in this appointment by the executive search firm Veredus. For further details and instructions on how to apply, please visit Veredus/Opportunities.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact our advising Consultants: Veronika Dergal on [e-mail] or Reece D’Alanno on [e-mail].

Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification and motivation for applying.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday, 8th February 2026.

The final interviews will take place on 1st May 2026.

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to ensuring that anyone can access our application processes. Should you require access to this document in an alternative format, wish to apply in a different format, or need any other reasonable adjustments made for you (including at interview), please contact us on [e-mail].