Head of Department of Pharmacy and Assc Prof/Prof

Kingston University is passionate about the power of a university education to transform lives. We strive for our staff and students to be sought-after for their academic achievements and their ability to shape society and contribute to the economy. We are an inclusive university, and our ambitious Town House Strategy drives our mission to enhance students' life chances, support the ambitions of staff and strengthen the university's impact on our locality, industry, policy and associated professions to enable a sustainable future - socially, economically and environmentally. With an overall Gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating, we are recognised for our commitment to high quality teaching, providing an outstanding student experience and supporting our students to achieve successful degree outcomes. 

The Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education (HSSCE) is seeking to appoint a new Head of the Department of Pharmacy. The University's Town House Strategy has set an ambitious growth target in terms of student recruitment for the next three academic years. HSSCE is well positioned to contribute effectively to this target. Hence, we look forward to hearing from individuals with a successful track record of student recruitment within the higher education sector and particularly in Pharmacy.   

The post of Head of the Department of Pharmacy is an opportunity to lead a remarkable academic team, based on the main campus of the University on Penrhyn Road. With exceptional laboratory and technical facilities, there is significant scope for the post-holder to build further on the Department's strong foundations.

The Person

We are seeking an accomplished professional with a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy profession, its operational landscape, and effective liaison with external bodies. The ideal candidate will bring experience of working with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or within a GPhC‑regulated environment, alongside current GPhC registration. Demonstrable leadership, substantial line‑management experience in higher education, and a strong record of providing vision and strategic direction are essential. You will have extensive experience in teaching Pharmacy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as a proven background in curriculum development and validation. Experience as an MPharm Course Director and a strong track record of negotiating with senior stakeholders are highly desirable. Applicants must also meet the University’s criteria for appointment at Associate Professor or Professor level.

Candidates should have a proven track record in successful leadership and management of an academic community in an interdisciplinary environment, with a substantial commitment to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching that is relevant to the discipline of Pharmacy.

Candidates will have a demonstrable record of collaborative working with internal and external bodies. The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership to a diverse and large body of academic staff providing one of the largest courses within the University. The Department obtained a full six-years accreditation in the latest reaccreditation and has enviable success rate in national pre-registration exam. 

The Head of Department will provide strategic and operational leadership, champion excellence in learning and teaching, supporting research and knowledge exchange, and foster a collegiate and inclusive culture. 

The post sits within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy & Chemistry, thus offering opportunities for inter-disciplinary work, and it is expected that the appointee will embrace this. The Head of Department will work closely with the Head of School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy & Chemistry and with colleagues across the School and Faculty to strengthen our portfolio, maintain and develop PSRB relationships and deepen our engagement with industry partners. Interdisciplinary collaboration is an important feature of our School, and we expect the successful candidate to embrace and extend this approach. 

Taught courses in the Department include MPharm course (including MPharm with preparatory year and MPharm with Biopharmaceutics), and a post-graduate taught course (MSc in Advanced Pharmaceutics and Public Health). In addition, the Department has a thriving research culture highly active in producing world leading research supported by various national and international funding bodies and industry.

The successful candidate would be expected to contribute to the relevant Unit of Assessment output in the forthcoming REF, both as journal outputs on a 3*/4* REF level and/or impact case studies.

The Faculty

There are few faculties across the UK university landscape as varied in their scope as the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education (HSSCE). We teach and research across a wide range of subjects, allowing for real cross-discipline innovation and creativity. Our lecturers are experts - working at the forefront of their fields and actively engaged in research so they can bring advanced knowledge to their teaching. For future pharmacists, their learning experience combines real-life experiences with strong theory from a TEF-Gold rated University. For academic professionals, this all adds up to a truly vibrant, exciting environment in one of the largest and most diverse Health Care/Sciences faculties in the sector. 

The School

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy & Chemistry at Kingston University is where innovation meets education on the cutting edge. Our School comprises four dynamic departments: two Life Sciences departments, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmacy. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to the fusion of learning & teaching and research. Collaboration is not just encouraged; it is integral to the essence of studying. The School of Life Science, Pharmacy & Chemistry is not just a place to learn; it is a community of forward-thinkers, pioneers, and future leaders in their fields. We are proud of being a diverse and inclusive environment catering for the specific needs of our students. 

Further information

This is a full time, permanent position with a starting salary from £60,996 (Associate Professor) - £73,931 (Professor) per annum, plus a £6,000 per annum Head of Department supplement.

The Head of Department aspect of the role is a 4-year term, reverting to Associate Professor/Professor substantive as appropriate, or you may continue for a second term as Head of Department subject to the rules and regulations of the academic management framework.

The closing date for applications is Monday 20 April 2026 (midnight).

Interviews will be held at Penrhyn Road campus of Kingston University London on Friday 22 May 2026.

For further details, please contact Professor Mehmet Dorak, Head of School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy & Chemistry.

Please apply by clicking the 'apply' button and follow the instructions.

Applications should consist of a concise covering letter (ideally no longer than two pages), addressing the criteria in the Person Specification; an up-to-date curriculum vitae; names and contact details of three referees (although referees will only be approached at the final stage of the process, and only with your express permission). 

If the interview date poses a problem for you, please let us know about this at the time of application.

Bring your true self, expertise, and passion to Kingston where we are continuing to strive to build a university where authentic inclusion and belonging is at its heart. Every one of our staff and students’ identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences makes us who we are - so harness and embrace yours by applying today. We welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities and those with disabilities.

We are a place-based organisation, proud of our location in Kingston and the civic role we play in our community. Our campuses inspire collaborative, innovative and creative communities. Being present on campus is important to us because it helps us to create a sense of belonging for both our staff and students. Therefore, staff are expected to be on campus for the majority of their working week.

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. Where required, this may include entry clearance or continued leave to remain under the Points Based Immigration Scheme. 

To apply click on ‘Apply Now’. If, for accessibility reasons, you need to apply in an alternative format, please email jobs@kingston.ac.uk or call the HR Shared Services team on 020 8417 3118.