Head of School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
Job id: 161845. Salary: Competitive.
Posted: 02 November 2026. Closing date: 30 November 2026.
Business unit: Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine. Department: Basic & Medical Biosci School Office.
Contact details: King's Search. kings-search@kcl.ac.uk
Location: Guy's Campus. Category: Academic & Teaching.
King’s College London is ranked 5th in the UK, and 31st in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, with a turnover exceeding £1.3bn. Based in the heart of London, it is the fourth oldest university in England, with over 40,000 students across 9 faculties.
The Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine is one of the largest and most successful centers for biomedical research and education in the UK and was ranked 9th globally for Life Science & Medicine in the QS World University Rankings 2026. We bring together internationally leading strengths in basic, translational and clinical science, advancing human health through world‑class research and education that benefit communities locally, nationally and globally.
The Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine seeks to appoint a new Head of School of Basic and Medical Biosciences. The School brings together five internationally renowned research departments with a focus on answering fundamental questions about biology in health and disease. Clinical and discovery scientists collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment on a range of exciting and innovative areas spanning the analysis of stem cell programming, molecular biophysics and genetics of human disease through to the development of innovative new technology, therapies and clinical trials. The School's cross-disciplinary approach enables us to tackle emerging, cutting-edge questions in areas such as human physiology, cancer, dermatology, diabetes, genetic diseases, ageing, and pain.
The successful candidate will be an outstanding academic with internationally recognised academic profile, and an experienced leader, with the ability to foster an interdisciplinary culture, recognise opportunities for collaboration and knowledge transfer across disciplines, and provide strategic leadership for the School, and also contributing to Faculty and University objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding and appreciation of the breadth of basic and medical bioscience research within and beyond the School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, and will be an outstanding communicator, able to inspire and work closely with staff, students, and external stakeholders, including our NHS partners.
Based predominantly at Guy’s campus, immediately adjacent to the clinical excellence of Guy’s Hospital, and with sites at St Thomas’ and Denmark Hill campuses, this post offers an exciting opportunity for an exceptional and visionary leader, with a strong commitment to education and research, to lead a renowned and academically diverse school.
To view the job description and person specifications, please visit our pages.
To apply for this role, please visit the King’s College London Job Opportunities page and submit the specified documentation. Enquiries may be directed to the King’s Search Team at kings-search@kcl.ac.uk
The application deadline is Monday 30th November at 11.59pm and interviews will be held in the new year with engagement processes in the preceding weeks.
