University of Surrey
Head of School of Psychology
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University of Surrey
With a legacy of pioneering research, transformative teaching and real-world impact, the University of Surrey has consistently produced graduates and discoveries that change practice and change lives. Ambitious, growing and increasingly influential on the global stage, we are driving forward the bold ambitions of the University’s Vision 2041 with a continuing positive impact on society and the planet.
About the University
Central to our ambitions is the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, home to 650 staff and 5,500 students across five Schools: Biosciences, Health Sciences, Medicine, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine. Building on our unique diversity in health professions and sciences, our aim is to develop health professionals with a core ethos of team science to drive substantial growth in our research activity and impact.
The Opportunity
We are now seeking an exceptional Head of School of Psychology to lead the School through its next phase of growth, visibility, and distinction. The School will play a central role in delivering the ambitions of the faculty, and this will be a key leadership role at a pivotal moment for education and research in Surrey and across the region.
As part of our wider ambitions for growth in education and research, we want to grow the School of Psychology as a leading centre for psychological science, education and innovation, where academics deliver world-leading research that advances understanding of human behaviour, cognition and mental health, and translates into meaningful impact for individuals, communities and society. We are committed to addressing major societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice and strong partnerships, underpinned by excellent research and an outstanding student experience.
As Head of School, you will sit on the Faculty Executive Board, providing strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, while driving excellence in education, research and knowledge exchange. You will play a key role in shaping the School's future, strengthening its research profile, enhancing educational innovation, and fostering collaborations across the University and with external partners nationally and internationally.
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You will be a visible and influential leader across the psychological sciences, building and strengthening partnerships with NHS organisations, schools, local authorities, charities, industry, professional bodies and community organisations. Through innovative research, education and engagement, you will help address some of the most pressing challenges facing society, including mental health, healthy ageing, neurodiversity, workplace wellbeing, digital technologies, and human performance, ensuring the School continues to make a significant contribution to policy, practice and public understanding.
The successful post holder will bring a substantial and internationally recognised academic track record in psychology or a closely related discipline, alongside a proven record of research leadership, strategic delivery and organisational development. We are seeking an inspiring, collaborative and research-active leader who can articulate a compelling vision for the School of Psychology, foster an inclusive and high-performing culture, and inspire confidence and commitment among colleagues, students and external partners.
Why Surrey
You will be joining a diverse, welcoming and genuinely collaborative community, at a university with the ambition of a rising global player. This is an opportunity to take up a role of real strategic significance, to lead, build, and to define the future of health professionals and research at an exciting moment for the university.
This is a permanent Professorial level academic appointment, with the Head of School role responsibility held for an initial period of five years with potential for a further extension. Following completion of the Head of School of Health Sciences tenure the post holder will return to a standard academic professorial portfolio although further leadership roles will offer opportunities for continued career progression. We welcome applications from all academic areas related to health care and the role attracts a pensionable responsibility allowance.
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If you are an ambitious, collaborative leader who is excited by the opportunity to shape the future of health education and research in a forward-looking, values-driven university, we would be delighted to hear from you.
How To Apply
Global executive search firm Perrett Laver have been appointed to support the University of Surrey in this appointment. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, including requesting documentation in an alternative format, please contact Urvashi Ramphul at Urvashi.Ramphul@perrettlaver.com.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter, outlining your leadership accomplishments and intended five-year research vision to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8575. From here you can request more information, including the full recruitment pack.
The deadline for applications is 23:59pm BST on Monday, 5th October 2026.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 25th November 2026.
The University of Surrey is committed to an inclusive environment offering equal opportunities for all and particularly encourages applications from under-represented groups.
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