Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Biomedical and Life Sciences 2
Contents
3 A world-leading university
5 The Way Forward
7 City of Cardiff
10 College structure
13 The role
16 Person specification
18 Appointment process and how to apply 3
A world-leading university
Cardiff University has an international Already consistently rated as one of the Cardiff is a proud partner in GW4, reputation, built on a history of service and world’s top 150 universities, our stated a collaboration with the universities of achievement since 1883. With an attractive ambition is to achieve a top 100 Bath, Bristol and Exeter, which enhances civic campus in a magnificent location, world position. its capacity to deliver wide-ranging and it offers a huge choice of flexible outstanding research, and opens Cardiff’s research was ranked 5th amongst degree programmes, excellent opportunities for other collaboration. UK universities in the 2014 Research facilities and conveniently located Internationally, we have formal links with Excellence Framework for quality, and student accommodation. universities in more than 35 countries. 2nd for impact. As a member of the In 2014, we signed a Cooperation Cardiff University is an ambitious and UK’s ‘Ivy League’ of Russell Group Agreement with the University of Leuven, innovative university with a bold strategic research-intensive universities, the Belgium’s largest university and in 2016 vision, located in a beautiful and thriving global community, research reputation we signed a partnership agreement with capital city. Driven by creativity and and partnerships are at the centre of Xiamen University to increase collaborative curiosity, we strive to fulfil social, cultural our identity. research, share education best practice and economic obligations to Cardiff, Cardiff University is home to two Nobel and create more opportunities for student Wales, and the world. With annual turnover Laureates, twelve Fellows of the Royal and staff exchange. exceeding £500 million, the University is Society, seven Fellows of the British undergoing a transformational multi-million Academy, and has been awarded six pound investment programme for Queen’s Anniversary Prizes. The University which it has successfully raised a is also distinctive in its breadth of £300 million bond. academic provision for professional bodies, both in education and research.
“One of the top teaching and research institutions in the UK. Cardiff is everything a good university should be – it has excellent facilities, often magnificent buildings, great social and sporting facilities, wrapped up in a vibrant, cultural city centre.”
Sunday Times Good University Guide 4
A world-leading university continued
The University provides an educationally Cardiff has a thriving innovation culture outstanding experience for over 30,000 and excels in connecting industry, students across thriving undergraduate business, and government with (21,500) and postgraduate (8,700) academics, nurturing student communities that include some 6,600 entrepreneurship and championing international students from 120 nations grass-roots business development. (including the EU). Founded in the belief We are experts at turning their that learning in a vigorous and pioneering world-leading research into commercial research environment is important; success, and 85 per cent of all IP income teaching at Cardiff builds both intellectual in Wales is generated by the University. skills and the ability to think independently. We have invested heavily in the creation of multi-million pound new Maindy Park campus development. This will see several high-tech new interdisciplinary research buildings developed over the next two decades.
“We have secured a £300 million bond to invest in the future of the university, including the development of a new innovation campus which will support our drive to hire internationally-renowned academics who can build on our established reputation for world class research. We provide an educationally outstanding experience for our students and ensure that they have excellent job prospects.”
Professor Colin Riordan, President and Vice-Chancellor. 5
The Way Forward
New York Times Travel Cardiff University’s strategic direction, Continuing to build on this success, we will entitled ‘The Way Forward’, intends to take Research ambition have substantially increased our research the University to its goal of being The results of the 2014 Research income from grants and contracts and will consistently among the top 100 universities Excellence Framework (REF) has seen have broadened the range of income in the world and the top 20 in the UK. Cardiff University leap to 5th place, sources. We will continue to develop our based on the quality of our research. University Research Institutes, tackling Our mission is to be a world-leading, This meteoric rise confirms our place as critical global issues that require research-excellent, educationally a world-leading university, and achieves cross-disciplinary co-operation. outstanding university, driven by creativity our ambition to be firmly positioned in the We will ensure that our research has and curiosity, which fulfils its social, top ten UK universities. We have risen 17 global impact by tackling the grand cultural and economic obligations to places on the quality measure, making the challenges of our time. We will engage Cardiff, Wales and the world. institution the fastest rising amongst the closely with Horizon 2020 and other leading research universities of the Russell aspects of the European innovation Group, climbing from 22nd in 2008. We agenda and explore collaborations with have also performed outstandingly on the high-quality research universities in Wales, “impact” indicator, and an impressive 87 the UK and internationally. per cent of our research was assessed as “world-leading” or internationally excellent. 6
The Way Forward continued
Education ambition International Engagement We will educate our students to the very ambition ambition highest standards and support them Cardiff University will form a tightly-knit We will demonstrate our commitment to through the transition to independent collaboration with two other outstanding the communities of Cardiff and Wales learning. The student experience at Cardiff international universities with a view to through knowledge exchange projects that will be a byword for excellence, where promoting research and sharing best directly and indirectly help those who do students actively participate in their practice in teaching and management and not traditionally engage with the University. learning experience and benefit from establishing our position as a well-known There will be a focus on social and an environment of top quality research global university. educational inclusion, on health, on the and scholarship. Science and Innovation Campus at Maindy By 2017, 17 per cent of our home students We will have a vibrant, growing, and Park and on using university expertise and will have studied, worked or volunteered multinational postgraduate community resource to support self-help community abroad for at least a month during their associated with a research led university. projects across Wales. time at Cardiff. We will recruit the brightest students from We will develop innovation and all strata of society with a particular focus development links with business in Wales, on underrepresented groups, and be the in the UK more widely and internationally university of choice for students from as part of a strategic aim to boost growth Wales, the rest of the UK, the EU and and prosperity in Wales and to help to earn across the world. our own living. We will produce graduates who are www.cardiff.ac.uk/thewayforward delighted with their experience, who are well-rounded, flexible, mobile and highly employable individuals, many with work based and/or international experience. We will review our provision regularly to ensure that their academic and future successes identify our graduates as products of an educationally outstanding university. 7
City of Cardiff
Cardiff is a thriving and attractive city which is widely recognised as an outstanding place in which to live and study. It combines all the advantages of a compact, friendly and inexpensive location with the cultural and recreational facilities of a modern capital city.
Wales is a small, distinctive and fiercely Cardiff is a designated Centre of Culture, Getting around within the city is quick ambitious country: Cardiff is a with performances and venues that attract and easy too, with good road, cycle, cosmopolitan city and Europe’s youngest thousands of visitors each year. The Wales bus and rail networks making the daily capital. A city with both heritage and Millennium Centre, home to Welsh National commute straightforward. ambition, Cardiff has a distinctive Opera, has established a worldwide Recently, Cardiff topped the list of the UK’s character, offers an outstanding quality of reputation as an iconic arts and cultural most travel-friendly cities. The city is one of life, and is proud of a growing national and destination. Cardiff is recognisable as a the UK’s best shopping destinations, with international reputation. location for award-winning TV productions the £750 million St David’s retail centre including Doctor Who, Sherlock, The University is located in and around the standing alongside pedestrianised Torchwood and Casualty. Portland stone building, parks and shopping streets, indoor and outdoor tree-lined avenues that form a magnificent The city is synonymous with sport. Cardiff markets and a network of glass-canopied city centre. Cardiff has more green spaces is the home of Welsh rugby, with the Victorian and Edwardian shopping per person than any other UK core city, 75,000 capacity Millennium Stadium in the arcades. In 2004, Cardiff became the and is host to Europe’s largest waterfront heart of the city centre. The SWALEC world’s first Fair Trade Capital. regeneration projects in the beautiful Stadium hosts major cricket matches and Bay area. the Celtic Manor Resort has hosted golf’s Ryder Cup in past years. Cardiff Bay offers an ice rink and an international standard swimming pool, and the UK’s first on-demand white-water rafting and canoe centre. 8
City of Cardiff continued
Cardiff is also ideally located for Just two hours from London by train, Diverse and cosmopolitan yet affordable, outdoor pursuits. Cardiff is at the heart of an international the capital of Wales is a bilingual city and a transport network that connects the city thriving location to live, work and study. The Brecon Beacons National Park, one of to major UK, European and global In 2014, Moneysupermarket.com said the UK’s most beautiful, is less than half destinations. “Cardiff residents are blessed with the an hour’s drive from Cardiff, and is ideal best quality of life in Britain.” for walking, climbing, mountain biking, and Cardiff University is a major partner and fishing. The Wye and Usk valleys are both contributor to the city and region, attracting nearby. The Gower Peninsula – the UK’s the best minds, the best facilities, and the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – best academic and business connections. is just an hour away, and offers award- winning beaches and unspoilt countryside. 9 10
College structure
Our Academic Schools are organised into three Colleges: the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Biomedical and Life Sciences and the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering.
The College brings together the following For more information, please visit The College of seven academic Schools: www.cardiff.ac.uk/colleges/ biomedical-life-sciences/ Biomedical and • Biosciences We aim to be a world-leading centre of Life Sciences • Dentistry academic and clinical excellence, The College of Biomedical and Life • Healthcare Services renowned for holistic, student-focused Sciences is a vibrant academic education and specialty training targeted community, which undertakes innovative • Medicine at improving the health and well-being of research and provides state-of-the-art society. An integrated approach is taken to • Optometry and Vision Sciences learning facilities. all aspects of health and bio-scientific
The College brings together seven • Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences research, achieving internationally academic schools with immense strength respected results at all stages of the • Psychology. in research and teaching, not just in Wales, medical research process, from laboratory but the UK and worldwide. The Post Graduate Medical and Dental science through to improved medical and Education Deanery is also currently hosted healthcare practices. within the College. 11
College structure continued
Our research Impact Themes
We played an important part in the REF The impact of our work is seen in a range We have formulated five broad research 2014 results. Cardiff University is officially of activities from the introduction of new themes which will be our primary research 2nd in the UK for its world-leading research therapies and diagnostics, leading change drivers, and will facilitate the development in psychology, psychiatry and in practice and standards, through to and integration of research across the full neuroscience breaking the grip of the UK’s advancing and informing public policy spectrum of the College’s activities; golden triangle of research intensive initiatives. Research excellence is also Cancer, Immunology, Infection and universities in these fields. From the particularly noteworthy in Biological Inflammation, Mind, Brain and discovery of a new bacteria resistant to Sciences. From the understanding of Neuroscience, Population Health and antibiotics; creating new treatments for precisely how neurons grow and the Biosystems. The research themes will leukaemia, breast and prostate cancers; fundamental processes that underlie enable us to develop critical mass, and improving dialysis treatment, our cancer development; to exploring the coherence and scale in areas where world-leading research in clinical medicine genetics of orangutans, elephants, Cardiff University has the potential to be has helped secure a ranking of 8th in the pandas and other endangered species. world leading, and to identify and grow UK with 80 per cent deemed ‘outstanding’ research synergies. for its impact in terms of its reach and The themes are intended to support the significance. The same is also true of our objectives of the University’s strategy, research in health services and primary ‘The Way Forward’. They will be the care. The sustained excellence of our primary research drivers, and will facilitate research involving contributions from the development and integration of diverse areas including pharmacy, research across the full spectrum of the dentistry healthcare sciences, medicine, College’s activities. and optometry and vision sciences ranks us amongst the very best in the UK (4th). 12
College structure continued
The themes will: Theme leads Clinical innovation • enable the College to develop critical Each theme has an appointed ‘Lead’ Innovation is a key strength for the mass, coherence and scale; with oversight from the College’s Dean University and the College. A specific • deliver excellence across a broad range of Research. partnership has been formed with the of College research activities; Local University Health Board to develop • Integrative Biosystems – Professor Clinical Innovation. The Medicentre is at • identify, build and support inter- and Peter Kille (School of Biosciences) the centre of this initiative. intra-College collaborations; • Mind, Brain and Neuroscience – www.cardiffmedicentre.co.uk/ • foster research where the College has Professor Jeremy Hall (School the potential to be world leading; of Psychology)
• identify and grow interdisciplinary • Infection, Inflammation and Immunity research synergies; – Professor Simon Jones (School of Medicine) • aid the development and enhancement of international links; • Cancer – Professor John Chester (School of Medicine) • facilitate better engagement with external funders; • Population Health – Professor Shantini Paranjothy (School of Medicine) • provide focus in the pursuit of Cardiff University’s ‘Way Forward’ strategy. 13
The role
The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of 4. Encouraging and promoting innovation 9. Liaison, where appropriate, with all College will be responsible and and knowledge transfer as appropriate relevant professional and other bodies accountable to the Vice-Chancellor for within the College; (e.g. NHS bodies) in order to ensure the management and leadership of the adequate support for research, 5. Arranging for the selection of students College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, education and training; for admission to the University; including, within the framework of the 10. Representing, or arranging University’s overall policies and 6. Ensuring compliance within the College representation of, the College on all procedures, the control, allocation and with University regulations in relation to appropriate bodies both internal and accounting for the financial, human, all academic, employment, financial, external to the University. physical and other resources of the professional and statutory bodies, College, preparation of all forward plans and other matters; The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of and budgets of the College and College does not directly line manage 7. Developing appropriate plans and participation in the overall strategic staff outside the College involved in the strategies for the College for approval development of the University. delivery of support services, but is by the University and to manage the Specific responsibilities delegated from expected to play a leading role in setting resources of the College to fulfil the the Vice-Chancellor include: strategy and direction. objectives identified therein; 1. The assignment of research, teaching, The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of 8. Ensuring on behalf of the University administrative and other duties to the College shall also be responsible and compliance with its obligations with academic and other staff of the College; accountable to the Vice-Chancellor regard to the health, safety and welfare for a smaller cross-cutting area which 2. Promoting the development of learning at work of staff and other persons or will be developed in discussion with the and teaching, including their quality and animals in or affected by the College Vice-Chancellor. enhancement, across the range of and for the premises, plant and provision associated with the College; substances therein; The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College shall line manage the Heads of 3. Encouraging and promoting the Schools within the College. prosecution of research by staff and students of the College; 14
The role continued
The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of • to play an active role in the University • to promote the University as a place of College is a member of the University Executive Board, assisting the international repute in which to study, Executive Board and as such has the Vice-Chancellor to achieve the goals of research and work and encourage following generic responsibilities: the University as defined in its Strategic international collaboration and Plan and contributing to University exchange; • to play a significant role in developing planning and to the formulation of and delivering the University’s strategy; • to build effective and productive policies and procedures; relationships with key influencers in • to lead the University in areas of • to respond to issues and incidents likely government, business and professional responsibility delegated to them, to impinge on the University’s reputation bodies; including taking a visible corporate and activities in a manner that manages leadership role on issues assigned and • to actively promote cross-institutional and minimises risk to the University; agreed by the Vice-Chancellor and the structures and systems (whether related University Executive Board; • to contribute to the development and to research/academic programmes/ testing of University risk and crisis portfolio matters or administration); • to promote the University in teaching, management plans which will be utilised research, innovation and engagement; • to represent the University as required at in crisis situations or when serious local, national and international level; • to promote the interests and values of unexpected events occur; and the University internally and externally; • to promote the well-being of all staff and • to undertake other such duties as • to play an active role in the recruitment students, fostering a culture of respect in required by the Vice-Chancellor. and appointment of high calibre staff to all aspects of operation and leading, the University; supporting and being sensitive to the different needs of students irrespective • to encourage staff development to meet of their location or mode of study; the overall needs of the University in the context of its development;
• to encourage and develop interdisciplinary activities between Colleges and Schools;
• to take responsibility for chairing University committees, and as necessary playing a part in ceremonial University activities including graduation ceremonies;
• to encourage and reward research, academic excellence and collegial participation throughout the University; 15
The role continued
Key relationships Internal: External: University Executive Board (the senior Welsh Government Vice-Chancellor: management team) Higher Education Funding Council for Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor who will Senate Wales be responsible for ensuring that each Council Cardiff Council Pro-Vice-Chancellor has a robust set of Court Partner universities in the UK and objectives, performance development Heads of Colleges and Schools and internationally review process and personal Directors of University Research Institutes Research Councils and other research development plan. Chief Operating Officer funders Deputy-Vice-Chancellor: Directors of Professional and Support Industrial and commercial firms Co-ordinating activities under the Services NHS bodies leadership of the Deputy-Vice-Chancellor College Registrar Russell Group and reporting to the Deputy-Vice- Staff GW4 Chancellor on specific agreed projects. Students. Universities UK Pro-Vice-Chancellors: Universities Wales.
Being an equal member of the University Executive Board, working in collaboration to develop and implement consistently Cardiff University strategy and policies. 16
Person specification
The candidate should be an • The ability to think strategically, to help through the active recruitment, acknowledged leader in research and develop a vision for the future of the development and management of teaching. S/he will provide evidence of University in and beyond the context of people and financial resources. high standing in his/her field and will be the current strategy. • Track record of managing a successful known and respected in a relevant • Demonstrable experience of leadership and thriving academic school/ professional community. Such a profile and turning plans into action. department. is a pre-requisite to the incumbent being accorded the appropriate level of respect • Significant experience of working in a • Involvement in relevant professional and credibility internationally, in the UK and large and complex organisation and communities and understanding of the Welsh Higher Education sectors and the capacity to undertake management at a role of professional practitioners. University. senior level. • Track record of successful co-operation Key competencies, capabilities and • Research leadership: securing, and collaborative working relationships, experience: rewarding, nurturing research including both internal and external, in order to the securing of external grants. deliver the University’s Way Forward and • Significant Board level leadership develop the University; and experience relevant to the role context. • Financial management and significant budgetary planning. • Demonstrated success of building close • Significant academic track record in a relationships and partnerships with key field relevant to the role context, with • Initiative, judgement, decision-making influencers in governmental, other distinction in research and teaching. and change management. agencies relevant to the University and • The ability to lead continuous • Track record of facilitating the highest external stakeholders. organisational change and development. quality research, learning and teaching, administrative and service outcomes 17
The person continued
• Ability to represent the University at • Understanding and application of the Attributes formal events and meetings with outside principles of consultation, collegiality and skills: bodies and to establish relationships and maintaining the University as the with stakeholders. critic and conscience of society; and • The ability to inspire and motivate. • Ability to understand developments in • Understanding of the complexity • Proven capabilities as a team leader. the Higher Education arena, both and diversity of the University and nationally and internationally and a high ability to adapt his/her approach • Good negotiating skills, flexibility and regard for research, scholarship, and style accordingly. open-mindedness. teaching and learning. • Outstanding written and oral • Willing to travel both nationally communication skills for written work, and internationally. public relations, networking and team building. • Ability to treat staff and students with respect and develop and maintain good • Ability to make logical, well-balanced working relationships with colleagues, and reasoned decisions. students and external groups. • Inclusive and collegial management style. 18
Appointment process and how to apply
An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver in parallel with the public advertisement of the post. Perrett Laver will support the Interview Panel in the discharge of its duties, both to assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates.
Application is by submission of a full The University values diversity and All applicants are requested to submit a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of welcomes applications from all sections of completed version of the enclosed form application, addressing the job description the community. It is committed to with their application. The information and person specification and including promoting equal opportunities in all its provided will be handled in the strictest suitable daytime and evening telephone employment practices and aims to ensure confidence and will only be used for contact details. that no applicant or member of staff is statistical monitoring purposes. disadvantaged or discriminated against Completed applications should either directly or indirectly. In order to be uploaded at ensure the effectiveness of this policy it is www.perrettlaver.com/candidates necessary to collect from all applicants key quoting reference 2953 by midday (GMT) information relating to equal opportunity in on Thursday 30th March 2017. employment. All telephone enquiries, in the first instance, should be directed to +44 (0) 20 7340 6200. Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3XQ, UK
General switchboard: telephone +44 (0) 2920 874000 www.cardiff.ac.uk
Registered Charity No: 1136855