University of California - Merced
Dean, School of Natural Sciences
University of California - Merced, Merced, California, United States, 95343
Position overview
Position title: Dean, School of Natural Sciences
Salary range: $340,000-370,000
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2026, or sooner if available
Review timeline: First review of applicants begins September 8, 2025. Open until filled.
Position duration: Permanent
Application Window Open date: July 23, 2025
Most recent review date: Monday, Sep 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position description The University of California (UC), Merced invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Natural Sciences (SNS). UC Merced is an R1 research university with high national rankings, a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, and significant growth in enrollment and research.
The Dean will lead the SNS into an exciting new era, championing inclusive excellence, enhancing research and teaching, and expanding the School’s impact within the UC system and globally. The Dean will work closely with SNS faculty and staff, campus leadership, and external partners to ensure the School’s continued rise as a magnet for high‑caliber students and a respected center for research addressing major global challenges.
The School currently includes five departments, eight undergraduate majors, four graduate programs, and the Institute for Symbiotic Interactions, Training, and Education in the Face of a Changing Climate (INSITE). SNS also hosts the Department of Medical Education as part of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) PRIME+ initiative, and faculty are active in several interdisciplinary centers.
Key responsibilities for the Dean include: developing a vision and strategy aligned with UC Merced’s strategic plan, recruiting, retaining, and supporting talented faculty, strengthening the academic profile and scholarly impact, enhancing enrollment and educational impact, managing the academic enterprise with financial acumen, and advocating for SNS internally and externally.
Qualifications Basic qualifications:
A doctorate and a research program in a field compatible with the programs offered within the School of Natural Sciences.
A distinguished record in teaching, scholarship, and service consistent with the expectations of the rank of a full professor with tenure in the School of Natural Sciences.
Significant years of increasing responsibility for leading and managing academic area(s) that demonstrate visionary leadership and management skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills in a full range of activities associated with the academic, research, and/or scholarly mission of the School.
Experience fostering interdisciplinary research and education and understanding of laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational research approaches.
Strong management, organizational, and financial acumen, including budgetary judgment and resource allocation.
Experience with faculty appointment, tenure, and promotion cases, and faculty development.
Ability to build partnerships, secure external support, and engage in fundraising efforts.
Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and political skills; high emotional intelligence.
Commitment to inclusive excellence and to serving a multi‑ethnic campus community.
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of general university administrative organization, policies, and shared governance.
Experience with academic program review and continuous improvement processes.
Familiarity with WSCUC or other university‑wide accreditation procedures.
Application Requirements Document requirements:
Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – as a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed misconduct. “Misconduct” means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination.
Reference requirements:
3‑5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02013
Help contact: ExecutiveSearch@berkeley.edu
About UC Merced UC Merced is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law. Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States; UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals requiring a new H‑1B visa. Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
Job location UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED 5200 N. Lake Road Merced, CA 95343
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salary range: $340,000-370,000
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: July 1, 2026, or sooner if available
Review timeline: First review of applicants begins September 8, 2025. Open until filled.
Position duration: Permanent
Application Window Open date: July 23, 2025
Most recent review date: Monday, Sep 8, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Sunday, Dec 28, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Position description The University of California (UC), Merced invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of the School of Natural Sciences (SNS). UC Merced is an R1 research university with high national rankings, a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, and significant growth in enrollment and research.
The Dean will lead the SNS into an exciting new era, championing inclusive excellence, enhancing research and teaching, and expanding the School’s impact within the UC system and globally. The Dean will work closely with SNS faculty and staff, campus leadership, and external partners to ensure the School’s continued rise as a magnet for high‑caliber students and a respected center for research addressing major global challenges.
The School currently includes five departments, eight undergraduate majors, four graduate programs, and the Institute for Symbiotic Interactions, Training, and Education in the Face of a Changing Climate (INSITE). SNS also hosts the Department of Medical Education as part of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) PRIME+ initiative, and faculty are active in several interdisciplinary centers.
Key responsibilities for the Dean include: developing a vision and strategy aligned with UC Merced’s strategic plan, recruiting, retaining, and supporting talented faculty, strengthening the academic profile and scholarly impact, enhancing enrollment and educational impact, managing the academic enterprise with financial acumen, and advocating for SNS internally and externally.
Qualifications Basic qualifications:
A doctorate and a research program in a field compatible with the programs offered within the School of Natural Sciences.
A distinguished record in teaching, scholarship, and service consistent with the expectations of the rank of a full professor with tenure in the School of Natural Sciences.
Significant years of increasing responsibility for leading and managing academic area(s) that demonstrate visionary leadership and management skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills in a full range of activities associated with the academic, research, and/or scholarly mission of the School.
Experience fostering interdisciplinary research and education and understanding of laboratory, field, theoretical, and computational research approaches.
Strong management, organizational, and financial acumen, including budgetary judgment and resource allocation.
Experience with faculty appointment, tenure, and promotion cases, and faculty development.
Ability to build partnerships, secure external support, and engage in fundraising efforts.
Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and political skills; high emotional intelligence.
Commitment to inclusive excellence and to serving a multi‑ethnic campus community.
Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of general university administrative organization, policies, and shared governance.
Experience with academic program review and continuous improvement processes.
Familiarity with WSCUC or other university‑wide accreditation procedures.
Application Requirements Document requirements:
Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – as a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed misconduct. “Misconduct” means any violation of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination.
Reference requirements:
3‑5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF02013
Help contact: ExecutiveSearch@berkeley.edu
About UC Merced UC Merced is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law. Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States; UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals requiring a new H‑1B visa. Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
Job location UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED 5200 N. Lake Road Merced, CA 95343
#J-18808-Ljbffr