MPLS Associate Head (People)
We are inviting expressions of interest for an important senior academic leadership role within the MPLS Division, offering a three-year term. This is an opportunity for you to help shape the Division’s people priorities, input into wider divisional decision-making and work collaboratively across MPLS departments. In this role, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of colleagues and students in MPLS. You will support and represent the Division in matters related to people policy, planning and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), while contributing to the University’s broader academic mission.
As one of six Associate Heads of Division in our senior academic leadership team, you will play a key role in high-level decision-making across the University. You will support the MPLS Head of Division on a range of people policy, planning and EDI issues, serving as an ex-officio member of the MPLS Divisional Board and General Purposes Committee. You will also participate in weekly Associate Heads meetings with the Head of Division, covering topics from academic post proposals and administrative restructures to strategic and policy matters.
With the support of the new administrative Head of People Planning and specialist teams, you will represent the Division on central University committees and working groups (to be advised) focused on People matters, such as the People Committee. Additionally, you will collaborate with academic leads to advance cross-divisional people planning and EDI initiatives.
Please refer to the full role description here, before applying (Word doc).
Contact communications@mpls.ox.ac.uk if you are unable to access the Word document.
In the video below, Jim Naismith talks about how the role will support the Division's mission.
About MPLS Division
We are proud to be the home of some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders working in academia, attracting the very best students, scientists and support staff to study and work at Oxford. We strive to promote and embed the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all our work. The Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division is one of the University’s four academic divisions, with nine academic departments spanning the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and the University-owned Begbroke Science Park. This community brings together 640 faculty (with approximately 70 Chairs and 365 full Professors), around 1,340 postdoctoral researchers and lecturing staff, and around 1,060 professional services staff.
Leadership opportunity
Within MPLS Division, our Associate Heads of Division play a prominent and critical role in helping to shape the Division’s strategic vision within their individual portfolio, working with the Head of Division, and supporting MPLS departments to deliver their academic mission. Each Associate Head provides academic leadership for their relevant divisional activities, and represents and advocates for MPLS positions in interactions with University leaders, in relevant governance structures, and with external stakeholders as required.
Our key people priorities in MPLS include:
- Influence the shaping of University-wide initiatives, such as academic career pathways and reward schemes.
- Advocate for MPLS perspectives in central University strategic projects while mitigating staff overload risks.
- Drive improvements to MPLS research culture and enhance the experiences of research staff.
- Address challenges linked to heavy workloads, especially in light of MPLS’s current financial pressures. Support the delivery of divisional services for effective workforce planning, recruitment, induction and development, swift resolution of staff conflicts and improved HR casework management.
- Implement the Division’s EDI action plan, addressing issues such as bullying, harassment, mental health, stress, and disability.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a brief Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) with your CV, by email in confidence, to Tracy Gale (Divisional Registrar) at tracy.gale@mpls.ox.ac.uk no later than 12-noon on Monday 24 March 2025. Interviews will be held with the Head of Division and members of the divisional team during week commencing 31 March.
For an informal discussion about the role, please feel free to contact Jim Naismith (James.naismith@mpls.ox.ac.uk), Tracy Gale (tracy.gale@mpls.ox.ac.uk), Mary Fridlington (mary.fridlington@mpls.ox.ac.uk) or any other member of our senior academic leadership team.
Further details
This appointment is for three years initially, with the option to request a renewal at the end of that term.
Please note that the responsibilities of this role must be carried out around a candidate’s substantive role, within their existing contractual hours (FTE) and term of employment.
Candidates must be able to dedicate the equivalent of one day a week throughout each 10-week extended term time period to fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.
Individual arrangements to facilitate this will be discussed between the successful candidate, their department, and the Divisional Office. An allowance of £9,090 per annum (as at current 1 August 2024 rates) is offered in recognition of the additional responsibilities an Associate Head takes on during their term in office. The Associate Head’s Department will also receive funding from the Division to cover partial relief from their department or college duties equivalent to 20% of their time.