Head, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore - Science Dean's Office; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Singapore is seeking a Head of the Department of Biological Sciences. The successful candidate will provide academic leadership and promote excellence in research and teaching. A Ph.D. and a strong record of academic administration are required. The position offers competitive salary packages in a favorable tax environment. Applications should be sent to the Biological Sciences Head Search Committee.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to academic administration.
• Demonstrated record of research excellence and academic leadership.
• Relevant administrative experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership for a research-active department.
• Lead the department towards excellence in research and teaching.
• Promote academic excellence among faculty and strengthen research facilities.

Skills

Research excellence

Academic administration

Leadership

Management of large projects

Education

Ph.D. degree

Job description

Overview

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 Head of the Department of Biological Sciences.

About the Department

The Department of Biological Sciences has a rich history in shaping education and research in Singapore, formed from the merger of the Department of Botany (founded in 1949) and the Department of Zoology (founded in 1950). For the past two 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 become a nexus for multidisciplinary research in the areas of human health, climate change and food security.

Role and responsibilities

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.

Qualifications and experience

• Candidates with an excellent research background in any field of biological sciences and a strong commitment to academic administration are invited to apply.
• Demonstrated record of research excellence, academic leadership and management experience of large projects, programmes and/or academic units, and 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.

Application process

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