University College Cork:
Heads of College

Partners
University College Cork
Sector
Higher Education
Location
Cork, Ireland

Open Roles

Head of College, College of Medicine and Health

Head of College, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science

About University College Cork


University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive.

Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact.

Impact

€3.2 Million

Generated every day for the economy

Over

26,000

Registered Students

Ranked

220

QS World University Rankings

Useful Resources

College of Medicine and Health
College of Science, Engineering and Food Science
Tyndall National Institute
Strategic Plan 2023-2028
UCC Governance
Research and Innovation
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Unit
UCC Research Centres
UCC Connected Curriculum
Global Engagement Plan

University College Cork,
A Place of Values to:

At UCC our mission is to meet the challenges of our time, together. When you work at University College Cork, you are joining a group of diverse thinkers and innovators committed to a sustainable future for our University, our society and our world. We rely on the collective power of our people working to create and innovate towards a common purpose.

As a leading research university our ambition is to cultivate a distinctive research reputation in signature areas of excellence. As a community of learning, our connected curriculum underpins a relevant, dynamic and inclusive learning experience for our students.

As the world’s first Green Flag university, we are proud of our leadership in sustainability and we continue to radically reform our practices and use of space and technology to meet our ambitious sustainability and climate action goals.

We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and everyone has the potential to shape change and make a difference. We value the unique background, experience, and contribution that each staff member brings to our community and are looking for people who will make a difference. If you believe in our vision and mission and would like to belong to a community of people who are working together to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.

When you become a member of UCC’s community you will be eligible for a wide range of staff benefits and rewards including the following:

  • High-quality professional and leadership development opportunities, including UCC delivered postgraduate qualifications in Learning and Teaching, as well as Professional Practice and Leadership in Higher Education
  • Staff fee concessions for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
  • Outstanding sports facilities with subsidised membership for university staff and an active sports and social club and special interest groups
  • Access to comprehensive wellbeing supports
  • Opportunities to engage with staff within the University community through vibrant oncampus cultural events, networks and seminars
  • A University level awards scheme to recognise outstanding achievements

How to Apply


The University will be supported in these appointment processes by the executive search firm Perrett Laver and enquiries can be made directly to Callum Conway. Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional qualifications and experience. CVs should be accompanied by a covering letter describing briefly how candidates meet the criteria outlined in the job description, why the appointment is of interest and what they believe they can bring to the role.

The closing date for both roles will be 12pm GMT, Tuesday 8th December 2026.

Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in mid-December. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates in early-January 2027, and the Committee will then meet in mid-January 2027 to decide on a shortlist of candidates who will be invited to formal interviews in early February 2027.

Head of College, College of Medicine and Health

Completed applications for the Head of College of Medicine and Health should be uploaded HERE.

Additional information regarding the Terms of the post can be found HERE.

 

Head of College, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science

Completed applications for the Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science should be uploaded HERE.

Additional information regarding the Terms of the post can be found HERE.

 

Discover Cork


Ireland’s second city, proudly referred to by Corkonians as ‘the Real Capital’ is a forward-thinking, fast-growing and friendly city and an important business and cultural hub, making it a great place to live and work.

 

Home to 225,000 people, Cork is a cosmopolitan city set against a backdrop of stunning coastline, countryside and picturesque coastal towns. It is easy to get around and 60% of people in Cork get to work in 30 minutes or less.

 

Located at the second largest natural harbour in the world Cork is the heartland of Ireland’s energy, food, pharmaceutical and ICT industries. Seven out of ten of the world’s top pharmaceutical companies and Ireland’s top four food companies are located in the province. UCC graduates make a critical contribution to the local talent pipeline that is at the heart of innovation and competitiveness for the region. Cork is the fastest growing city in the country and has been ranked as one of Europe’s top 25 cities of the future.

Who to speak with

Global Senior Partner

Dr Sinéad Gibney

Country Managing Partner, Ireland

Michelle Scanlon

Research Associate, Europe

Callum Conway

Senior Project Manager, Europe

Ellen O'Dwyer

Dr Sinéad Gibney

Global Senior Partner

As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.

During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.

Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.

Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.

Michelle Scanlon

Country Managing Partner, Ireland

Michelle is a Managing Partner.

Michelle works in Perrett Laver’s Dublin office. She is a Partner, former Head of the Project Management team and has worked across a number of Perrett Laver’s global Offices including London, Chicago and Hong Kong. She works with organisations across our Global Higher Education, Sport, Social Impact and Health sectors.

Callum Conway

Research Associate, Europe

Ellen O'Dwyer

Senior Project Manager, Europe