Academic Head of School of Science & Technology

This is an outstanding opportunity, and we are seeking a distinguished and highly accomplished leader to serve as the Academic Head of the JCU School of Science & Technology. 

The Academic Head will provide strategic leadership in managing and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, ensuring compliance with Australian university standards, professional accreditation requirements, and Singapore’s regulatory frameworks.

The role includes contributing to teaching as needed. A key responsibility is to ensure that all programs remain aligned with industry needs and global trends. Graduate attributes will be embedded into learning outcomes to equip students with relevant skills, knowledge, and values for future success.

The Academic Head will actively foster partnerships with industry, professional bodies, and key stakeholders to strengthen curriculum relevance, particularly in emerging fields such as Digitalization, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, and Data Science. This engagement will drive interdisciplinary, innovative, and future-ready program offerings.

The role also involves mentoring academic staff, nurturing a strong research culture, and supporting successful grant applications. Additionally, the Academic Head will champion meaningful collaboration with business, government, and community to ensure the School’s work contributes to real-world impact and sustainable development.

Requirements:

• Science or Technology Discipline-specific PhD qualification. Expertise in one or more disciplines represented within the School, together with an appreciation of the broader interdisciplinary opportunities across science, technology, environment, and data-driven fields.
• Minimum of 5 -7 years of experience as a Head of Faculty/School in a University or Institute of Higher Learning.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with university policies, accreditation standards. with undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
• Manage a team comprising direct and indirect reports, including academic staff and administrative officers, ensuring effective performance, development, and operational excellence.
• Excellent Leadership and analytical skills to plan, execute and implement best practices and make informed decisions.
• Capable of presenting ideas convincingly, facilitating consensus, and influencing decision‑making at academic, industry, and governance levels.
• Builds trust, fosters collaboration, and maintains positive working relationships across academic teams, administrative units, and external stakeholders.
• Communicates respectfully and effectively within diverse, multicultural academic and student communities.
• Demonstrates high emotional intelligence, with the ability to empathize, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to faculty, students, and stakeholders

Strategic Growth and External Representation:

• Contribute to enrolment growth, student retention, and graduate employability initiatives.
• Raise the profile and reputation of the School through strategic external engagement.
• Represent the School within the University and across academic, professional, industry, and government networks locally and internationally.
• Serve as an advocate for the School's strengths, achievements, and future aspirations.
• Evidence of successful teaching, curriculum development, and academic administration.
• A record of scholarly achievement, research leadership, and/or industry impact.

The Academic Head will play a pivotal role in shaping the School's next phase of growth by advancing academic quality, fostering research excellence, strengthening industry partnerships, supporting student success, and enhancing the School's regional and international profile.

*Please submit your resume , together with a 2-page statement of vision or direction in relation to JCU School of Science & Technology as demonstrated by your record of experience.

Closing Date: 10 September 2026

We thank you for your interest and regret we are only able to notify shortlisted candidates. 

The Singapore campus of James Cook University (registered as James Cook University Pte Ltd in Singapore) is a wholly owned company of James Cook University Australia. The University offers Bachelor & Master Programs in Business, Psychology, Information Technology & Education at the Singapore campus of James Cook University.