About the role
Head of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
Reference: BEDS2975
Job details
Job referenceBEDS2975 Date posted13/10/2026 Apply by05/11/2026 LocationLuton SalarySpot category C, £67,643 - £80,769 PackagePermanent Contractual hours35 BasisFull time Job category/typeAcademic Attachments BlankHead of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
Job descriptionShape the future of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
We are seeking an ambitious, inspirational and experienced academic leader to provide strategic and academic leadership for our growing School of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
This is an opportunity to shape a distinctive, forward-looking portfolio, working across the University and with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies to ensure our provision meets the evolving needs of students, the workforce and the wider economy.
You will provide visible and inclusive leadership to academic and professional teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. You will lead the development of the school’s academic portfolio, strengthen student recruitment and outcomes, support research and knowledge exchange, and ensure high-quality, sustainable provision.
Developing a distinctive academic portfolio
You will drive the development of a contemporary and professionally relevant portfolio, responsive to developments across Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
A key priority will be the development of new provision, including the expansion of Pharmacy education. You will understand Pharmacy and professional and regulatory accreditation, with the ability to translate emerging opportunities into successful academic provision.
You will also lead the development of apprenticeships and work-based learning, aligning opportunities with the University’s wider academic and workforce strategy.
Strengthening external partnerships and impact
You will be an outward-facing leader who understands the value of strong relationships with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies.
You will develop opportunities for curriculum development, placements, apprenticeships, research, knowledge exchange and graduate employment, using your external networks and understanding of workforce needs to inform the school’s priorities.
An inspirational and strategic leader
You will have a strong track record of academic leadership, with the ability to inspire and develop colleagues, lead through change and deliver strategic priorities.
Combining academic credibility with strategic, commercial and partnership-building skills, you will bring experience of developing provision, improving outcomes and delivering sustainable growth.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can bring people together around a clear vision, drive innovation and ensure the school makes a meaningful contribution to students, employers, the professions and the communities it serves.
Why join us?
The University of Bedfordshire is a university on the rise, with strong momentum across student experience, teaching and national rankings.
A university on the rise – we have climbed 33 places in the Guardian University Guide in just two years, reaching 90th in the UK, our highest position for 16 years.
A strong and improving student experience – we have achieved three consecutive years of improvement in the National Student Survey.
Teaching that makes a difference – Bedfordshire is recognised nationally for the quality of its teaching and the progress our students make.
Career-focused education – our strong employer and professional partnerships connect learning with placements, apprenticeships and graduate employment.
A diverse and inclusive community – we are committed to widening participation, social mobility and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
An ambitious future – with growing partnerships, developing academic provision and a clear focus on regional and national impact, this is an exciting time to join the University and help shape its next chapter.
If you are an experienced academic leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape provision, develop people, build impactful partnerships and deliver sustainable growth, we would welcome your application.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
For a full job description and person specification please click here.
The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required).
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.
At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.
We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.
We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. For further details, please click here.
To Apply
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For any enquires contact People & Culture via email at P&[email protected].
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.
Apply online Send to a friendHead of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
Job descriptionShape the future of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences
We are seeking an ambitious, inspirational and experienced academic leader to provide strategic and academic leadership for our growing School of Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
This is an opportunity to shape a distinctive, forward-looking portfolio, working across the University and with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies to ensure our provision meets the evolving needs of students, the workforce and the wider economy.
You will provide visible and inclusive leadership to academic and professional teams, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. You will lead the development of the school’s academic portfolio, strengthen student recruitment and outcomes, support research and knowledge exchange, and ensure high-quality, sustainable provision.
Developing a distinctive academic portfolio
You will drive the development of a contemporary and professionally relevant portfolio, responsive to developments across Life, Clinical and Health Sciences.
A key priority will be the development of new provision, including the expansion of Pharmacy education. You will understand Pharmacy and professional and regulatory accreditation, with the ability to translate emerging opportunities into successful academic provision.
You will also lead the development of apprenticeships and work-based learning, aligning opportunities with the University’s wider academic and workforce strategy.
Strengthening external partnerships and impact
You will be an outward-facing leader who understands the value of strong relationships with industry, employers, healthcare organisations and professional bodies.
You will develop opportunities for curriculum development, placements, apprenticeships, research, knowledge exchange and graduate employment, using your external networks and understanding of workforce needs to inform the school’s priorities.
An inspirational and strategic leader
You will have a strong track record of academic leadership, with the ability to inspire and develop colleagues, lead through change and deliver strategic priorities.
Combining academic credibility with strategic, commercial and partnership-building skills, you will bring experience of developing provision, improving outcomes and delivering sustainable growth.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can bring people together around a clear vision, drive innovation and ensure the school makes a meaningful contribution to students, employers, the professions and the communities it serves.
Why join us?
The University of Bedfordshire is a university on the rise, with strong momentum across student experience, teaching and national rankings.
A university on the rise – we have climbed 33 places in the Guardian University Guide in just two years, reaching 90th in the UK, our highest position for 16 years.
A strong and improving student experience – we have achieved three consecutive years of improvement in the National Student Survey.
Teaching that makes a difference – Bedfordshire is recognised nationally for the quality of its teaching and the progress our students make.
Career-focused education – our strong employer and professional partnerships connect learning with placements, apprenticeships and graduate employment.
A diverse and inclusive community – we are committed to widening participation, social mobility and creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
An ambitious future – with growing partnerships, developing academic provision and a clear focus on regional and national impact, this is an exciting time to join the University and help shape its next chapter.
If you are an experienced academic leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape provision, develop people, build impactful partnerships and deliver sustainable growth, we would welcome your application.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
For a full job description and person specification please click here.
The post will be based at Luton (with travel to other campuses as required).
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.
At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.
We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.
We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. For further details, please click here.
To Apply
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs.
For any enquires contact People & Culture via email at P&[email protected].
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.
Apply online Send to a friendHow to apply
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