Head, Department of Biological Sciences

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Singapore seeks a Head for the Department of Biological Sciences. The successful candidate will provide academic leadership and drive research and teaching excellence. A demonstrated record of research and strong management experience in higher education is essential. The role offers competitive salary packages within a low tax environment, applying by 22 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of research excellence in biological sciences.
• Management experience of large projects or academic units.
• Strong commitment to academic administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for the Department of Biological Sciences.
• Lead initiatives to enhance research and teaching excellence.
• Expand undergraduate and graduate offerings.

Skills

Research excellence

Academic leadership

Administrative experience

Education

Ph.D. from an internationally recognised programme

Job description

The Faculty of Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is seeking a visionary leader with excellent academic standing in the biological sciences or related fields to serve as next Head of the Department of Biological Sciences (https://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/).

The Department of Biological Sciences has a rich history in shaping education and research in Singapore, having been formed from the merger of two of the oldest departments in the Faculty of Science, namely the Department of Botany (founded in 1949) and the Department of Zoology (founded in 1950). For the past 2 decades, the Department has played a central role in launching the interdisciplinary Life Sciences programme for undergraduates while developing research areas in biodiversity and conservation, genomics, molecular and cell biology, neurobiology, and environmental science. The Department seeks to expand its undergraduate and graduate offerings, deepen industry and international partnerships, and to become a nexus for multidisciplinary research in the areas of human health, climate change and food security.

The successful applicant will provide academic leadership for a highly research-active department comprising over 50 tenure track and 30 teaching track faculty members, as well as close to 500 graduate students. The Head is expected to lead the department towards greater excellence in research and teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Department is committed to promoting academic excellence among its faculty and strengthening its research facilities and infrastructure. The University also offers internationally competitive salary packages in Singapore s low tax environment.

Candidates with an excellent research background in any field of biological sciences and a strong commitment to academic administration are invited to apply. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of research excellence, academic leadership and management experience of large projects, programmes and/or academic units, and also relevant administrative experience in higher education. A Ph.D. degree from an internationally recognised and accredited programme is required. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to share their vision and strategies for advancing the department at the interview stage.

Interested candidates may forward an application package including a letter describing their personal goals, vision for the department, research plans, teaching record and administrative experience, as well as curriculum vitae along with names and contact details of at least six referees. Please send the application package to:

Biological Sciences Head Search Committee
c/o Ms Lisa Lau (Email: [e-mail])
Faculty of Science Dean s Office
National University of Singapore
Block S16 Level 9 6 Science Drive 2
Singapore 117546

Closing date of application: 22 December 2025