Professor and Head of the Division of Dentistry

University of Manchester; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned UK higher education institution is seeking a Professor and Head of the Division of Dentistry as well as Deputy Head of the School of Medical Sciences. This pivotal role involves leading educational improvements, promoting an inclusive culture, and driving impactful research initiatives. The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in dental or health professions, a strong reputation in research, and a strategic vision to enhance student experiences in one of the UK's leading dental schools. Applications are sought by 23:59 on January 25, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading regulated clinical education programmes.
• Strong international reputation in applied/translational research.
• History of developing high-performing multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategic direction of the dental school.
• Enhance educational quality and strengthen clinical pathways.
• Lead a motivated and forward-looking Division.

Skills

Leadership in dentistry or health professions

Strategic vision for education and research

Collaborative and inclusive culture promotion

High-performing team development

Understanding of clinical academic environments

Ability to secure external funding

Education

Distinguished track record in dentistry or health professions

Substantial senior leadership experience

Job description

Professor and Head of the Division of Dentistry and Deputy Head of School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health

The University of Manchester

Location: Manchester

Salary: An attractive remuneration package

Shape the future of dental education and research at one of the world’s leading universities.

Part of the prestigious Russell Group of UK universities, the University of Manchester is one of the UK’s largest single‑site higher education institutions. We operate at scale with an annual turnover of £1.35 billion, a significant ongoing capital investment programme, 12,800 staff and over 46,000 students from 190 countries. We are a truly global institution, with a long‑standing reputation for excellence and innovation, we are dedicated to addressing global challenges and improving lives through outstanding research, education, and social responsibility. Today we are ranked 35th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (7th in the UK) and 2nd in the world for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Ranking).

We are now seeking an exceptional individual to take on the role of Head of the Division of Dentistry and Deputy Head of the School of Medical Sciences. This is a pivotal leadership role at an important and exciting moment for the Division, which is undergoing significant renewal with improvements already underway to enhance educational quality, strengthen clinical training pathways and modernise the student experience. Recent investment, including a new £3.6m education facility and the recruitment of additional clinical teaching staff, has further reinforced the Division’s foundations and created the conditions for renewed growth in both education and research.

Working closely with students, the regulator, NHS and community partners, you will shape the strategic direction of one of the UK’s top dental schools, ensuring outstanding education, an excellent and continuously improving student experience, and impactful contributions to dental and wider health and wellbeing. You will lead a motivated and forward‑looking Division, with the opportunity to shape its academic vision and drive an ambitious research trajectory that leverages the Faculty’s strengths in public health, cancer, biomaterials, applied health sciences and interdisciplinary collaboration.

You will be an inspirational leader with a distinguished track record in dentistry, oral health or a closely related clinical or health‑professions field, together with substantial senior leadership experience in a complex clinical academic environment. You will have led regulated clinical education programmes and worked constructively with professional regulators, bringing a clear strategic vision for both education and research. With a history of leading and developing high‑performing multidisciplinary teams, you will excel at uniting colleagues around a shared vision, navigating complex challenges and fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high‑achieving culture. You will bring an excellent understanding of the national and international context in which dental and related health education and research operate and be adept at identifying opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. A strong international reputation in applied and/or translational research, together with the ability to secure external funding, build research capacity and develop impactful partnerships, will be essential to success in this role.

Our University is strongly committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and we have a wide range of means through which we support this strategic priority.

Veredus Executive Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Manchester on this appointment. For further information about the role and how to apply, please visit www.veredus.co.uk quoting reference 788.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact James Griffin on [e-mail] or Nataliya Starik‑Bludova on [e-mail].

Applications should be received by 23:59 on Sunday, 25th January 2026.