The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) invites inquiries, nominations and applications for the position of dean of the Division of Physical Sciences. One of the four academic divisions of the UCLA College, the Division of Physical Sciences benefits from synergies within the College while also enjoying a high level of autonomy as experienced by schools at comparable institutions. A national leader in science education and research, the division includes the departments of atmospheric and oceanic sciences; chemistry and biochemistry; earth, planetary and space sciences; mathematics; physics and astronomy; and statistics and data science; along with the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics, the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, and other institutes and research centers. The division also works closely with many campus units, including the California NanoSystems Institute, and — along with the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering — interacts with the Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering and with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The division has 215 ladder faculty, 4,499 undergraduate majors, 1,092 graduate students and $326 million in annual expenditures. The work of its faculty — which includes 19 members of the National Academy of Sciences and has included seven Nobel laureates — is recognized internationally and attracts approximately $184 million annually in support from federal funding agencies and private foundations.
The dean provides strategic vision and operational leadership for the physical sciences division, creating an environment and community that supports its faculty and students. Building on deep academic strength, the dean sets the standard for intellectual engagement and scholarly accomplishment, advancing research and education in the physical sciences, encouraging distinctive programmatic innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing leadership to ensure inclusive excellence in undergraduate and graduate programs and faculty recruitment. The dean serves as the division’s public voice, articulating its contributions to local, state, regional, national and international communities, and pursuing an ambitious development program to build the division’s resources. Reporting to the executive vice chancellor and provost (EVCP), the dean serves on the deans council and collaborates with leadership across UCLA and the UC system, as well as local, regional and national leaders in the public sphere. As a member of the College Cabinet, the dean works closely with the deans of humanities, life sciences, social sciences and undergraduate education to promote synergies within the College.
The successful candidate will be nationally recognized with strong scholarly visibility; demonstrated leadership in teaching, research and public service; and the capacity to exercise policy leadership at local, state, national and international levels. Minimum requirements include substantial administrative leadership experience at a research university; a record of distinguished teaching, research and intellectual leadership in the physical sciences; success in — or aptitude for — external and alumni relations and development; an established record of advancing inclusive excellence; and credentials that merit appointment at the rank of full professor. Experience in, and/or significant knowledge of, the University of California is preferred.
With its 419-acre campus in Westwood, UCLA Downtown in the city’s historic core and the UCLA Research Park under development in West L.A., UCLA is enriched by the cultural diversity of the dynamic greater Los Angeles area, as well as the geographic advantages of Southern California. One of the world’s preeminent public research universities, UCLA is an international leader in breadth and quality of academic, research, health care, wellness, cultural, continuing education and athletic programs, with more than 6,807 faculty members who teach approximately 49,000 students in the UCLA College and 12 professional schools. UCLA is consistently ranked among the top institutions nationally for research funding, having generated more than $1.6 billion in research grants and contracts in the last fiscal year alone.
Confidential review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Address nominations and inquiries to Traci Considine, manager of executive recruitment, at PhysicalSciDeanSearch@conet.ucla.edu. To be ensured full consideration, please email a letter of interest and curriculum vitae by December 1, 2026.
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $420,000 – $530,000, commensurate with related experience and qualifications. UCLA offers an inspiring higher education environment and excellent benefits. Learn more about the University of California and UCLA.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. 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 other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.