Head of Department Physics - 0107-26

Faculty of Science & Technology
Location:  Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary:   Senior Salary (Full time, fixed term)
Closing Date:   Wednesday 18 February 2026
Interview Date:   Monday 23 March 2026
Reference:  0107-26

Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University

We are seeking to appoint a Head of Department (HoD) from 1st August 2026 due to the current HoD’s tenure coming to an end on 31st July 2026.

This is an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within the Department and applications are invited from academic colleagues within the Department of Physics. Applicants will normally be at professorial level, however applicants at Senior Lecturer or Senior Teaching Fellow levels will be considered on an exceptional basis.  

The role of HoD provides academic leadership for the Department, managing and developing the Department, its staff and its activities.  You will represent the Department to the Faculty and the University.  As HoD, you will encourage and develop excellence in teaching, research and engagement across colleagues.  Further details of the role are included in the HoD ‘Description of Desirable Skills’ (Person Specification) and HoD ‘Role and Major Areas of Responsibility’ (Job Description) documents.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please do contact Professor Phil Barker, Interim Executive Dean (p.barker@lancaster.ac.uk). 

Reward and recognition 

In recognition of taking on the role, you will receive a non-superannuable salary supplement equivalent in value to one increment on your salary scale (professorial colleagues) or two increments (Senior Lecturer/Senior Teaching Fellow colleagues).   Subject to successful performance this allowance may be consolidated into salary on a permanent basis. The role also attracts a Head of Department annual allowance which is non-superannuable.

For further details of the HoD reward or appointment processes, please contact Rosie Cantley, Faculty Resources Manager (r.cantley@lancaster.ac.uk)

Sabbatical 

HoDs are eligible, at the end of their period of office, to be considered for an additional term of sabbatical/AREL leave, to be taken in agreement with the Executive Dean. 

Term of office

The position is for an initial term of four years, potentially renewable for one further term within the University’s HoD and Associate Dean appointment process.   On completion of your term(s) of office as HoD you will revert automatically to your substantive position. 

Applying 

It is a requirement of this post that applicants have a contract of employment at the University which extends for at least 4 years upon appointment to the role of HoD.  Applicants must be an existing member of academic staff within the Department of Physics.

To apply for the role, please complete the on-line application process on Stonefish which includes submitting your expression of interest in the role, outlining why you wish to apply, your vision for the Department and how you would approach the role and a short CV.  Your expression of interest should also include a paragraph of text under each of the five headings of HoD Desirable Skills, articulating how you would intend to approach the areas listed, noting any relevant experience, and what professional development you would welcome in support. The closing date for applications is 18th February 2026 and interviews will be held on 23rd March 2026.

Between shortlisting and interviewing for the role, a consultation will take place in the department to obtain the views of staff.   To this end, you will also be asked to prepare a tailored statement for sharing with staff outlining your vision and ambition for the department.

We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Department, and supporting family-friendly, flexible and agile working policies on an individual basis.