Dean, Faculty of Science

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McMaster University is actively seeking a collaborative and strategic academic leader to serve as their next Dean, Faculty of Science.

McMaster University
Ranked among the top 150 universities globally, through its cutting-edge research and world-class teaching and learning, McMaster University is a research-intensive, student-centred university dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being in its community and around the world. Known internationally for excellence in teaching, learning, innovation, and creativity, McMaster prepares students to be engaged, thoughtful citizens equipped to make a positive impact. As a member of Canada’s U15 group, McMaster boasts a research income of $423 million and is recognized for pioneering problem-based learning and educational innovation. With six Faculties including Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences, McMaster fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex global challenges. The University is the only Canadian member of Universitas 21 and is home to McMaster Innovation Park, a leading hub for research, startups, and industry partnerships.

Faculty of Science
McMaster’s Faculty of Science is one of the largest in Canada, with more than 8,400 undergraduate and 550 graduate students, supported by over 200 full-time faculty members. The Faculty encompasses eight departments and schools, including Biology, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Earth, Environment & Society, Interdisciplinary Science, Kinesiology, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. Known for its research excellence, the Faculty secures $30 million in funding annually and hosts 17 Canada Research Chairs. It is committed to advancing scientific discovery, promoting scientific literacy, and fostering an inclusive academic environment.

The Position
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean is the academic, administrative, and community leader of the Faculty. As the senior officer of the Faculty, the Dean provides academic leadership and strategic direction, fostering unity and cooperation among faculty, staff, and community members while building and sustaining a culture that supports academic, research, and operational excellence. The Dean is also responsible for encouraging, coordinating, and rationalizing the initiatives and activities of Science departments and programs, to ensure that the Faculty functions effectively and harmoniously. The Dean also provides sound fiscal oversight, ensuring the Faculty’s budget is managed strategically, sustainably, and in alignment with institutional priorities.
The Dean plays a critical role in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and building partnerships across the university, working closely with other Faculties and units to advance shared academic and research priorities. The Dean is accountable for creating a positive and inclusive work environment, which will serve as the foundation for the academic well-being of the Faculty.

The Dean helps to advance the goals of the Faculty and to build on its strengths. The Dean is responsible for leading the Faculty in terms of faculty recruitment, program development, and facilities, and for continuing to move the Faculty forward in terms of quality of the student experience, distinction, and influence. The Dean supports and enhances the Faculty’s strong reputation and continues to collaborate, advocate and build positive partnerships across the University, as well as locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. In addition, the Dean is an important member of the Provost’s senior leadership group and of the Provost’s Council.

The Ideal Candidate
The next Dean of Science will be an accomplished academic leader with a doctoral degree and a record of scholarly achievement suitable for appointment as Full Professor, with a significant profile within the science research community. They will bring leadership experience within a university or research organization, including strategic planning and implementation, and a proven ability to manage complex human, financial, and infrastructure resources. The Dean will be a transparent, ethical, and principled leader with strong analytical capabilities and sound judgment, who leads collaboratively and inspires innovation. They will value relationships, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and demonstrate exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity is essential, along with a passion for academic and research excellence and for creating an inclusive, student-centred learning environment. The ideal candidate will be visionary, financially astute, and dedicated to advancing innovative science education and promoting the benefits of a scientifically literate society.

How to Apply or Learn More
To learn more about this opportunity, including receiving a copy of the Executive Brief, please contact Katherine Frank at kfrank@kbrs.ca or Lauren Wright at lwright@kbrs.ca.
Applications must be submitted online at http://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17690033672990000008fcb

When applying for this position, please include:
• A cover letter (maximum of 4 pages)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

The anticipated start date for this appointment is July 1, 2026.

McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity, and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. We strive to hire individuals who share our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

At McMaster, we believe that our diversity is integral to and at the core of all that makes us excellent. To grow and nurture our diversity, McMaster is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all community members to meaningfully engage in the life and work of the university. Employment equity is a key initiative that drives inclusivity in the employment relationship, and is an ongoing process that identifies, addresses, and mitigates barriers in employment policies, practices, and procedures. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, McMaster particularly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.

Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

McMaster University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

Please note that the position posted is for an existing vacancy at McMaster University.

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