Dean, Faculty of Science

Overview

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

McMaster University

Ranked among the top 150 universities globally, McMaster is a research-intensive, student-centred university dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being. It is known for excellence in teaching, learning, innovation, and creativity, and prepares students to be engaged, thoughtful citizens. As a member of Canada’s U15 group, McMaster benefits from substantial research income and is recognized for problem-based learning and educational innovation. The University comprises six Faculties—Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences—and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. It is the only Canadian member of Universitas 21 and hosts McMaster Innovation Park, a hub for research, startups, and industry partnerships.

The 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. It encompasses eight departments and schools, including Biology, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Earth, Environment & Society, Interdisciplinary Science, Kinesiology, Mathematics & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy, and Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour. The Faculty secures about $30 million in funding annually, hosts 17 Canada Research Chairs, and 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. 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 coordinates initiatives and activities of Science departments and programs to ensure the Faculty functions effectively and harmoniously. The Dean also provides sound fiscal oversight, ensuring the Faculty’s budget is managed strategically and sustainably in alignment with institutional priorities.

The Dean fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and builds partnerships across the university, working with other Faculties and units to advance shared academic and research priorities. The Dean is accountable for creating a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the academic well-being of the Faculty.

The Dean helps advance the goals of the Faculty, leading faculty recruitment, program development, and facilities, and continuing to move the Faculty forward in student experience, distinction, and influence. The Dean supports and enhances the Faculty’s reputation and collaborates, advocates, and builds partnerships across the University, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. The Dean is also a member of the Provost’s senior leadership group and 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.

When applying for this position, please include:

• A cover letter (maximum of 4 pages)

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

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

McMaster University strives to embody respect, collaboration and diversity, and is committed to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce strengthens innovation and teaching excellence. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, 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 accessibility needs. If you require accommodation, please contact accomodate@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.

McMaster University is a postsecondary institution in Hamilton, Ontario.