Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Organisation: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Remuneration: Aligned with RCSI Professorial Salary scale
Closing Date: Wednesday 26th of March 2025
RCSI is seeking to appoint its next innovative leader to the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Health Psychology. This post is a permanent professorial appointment within RCSI. The appointee will report to the Head of the School of Population Health or nominee.
This critical role drives the ongoing innovation and delivery of the undergraduate and graduate teaching programmes of RCSI. It also provides a unique platform for excellence in research in Health Psychology.
This internationally respected leader will bring extensive experience in education, research and management to the role. In particular, the candidate will have extensive academic experience in health psychology, health professions education and research in health psychology, health services research and/or population health. The successful candidate will have the vision to look to the future in emerging areas of research and education and make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of the strategies of the School of Population Health and of RCSI, the former being a key theme in
RCSI’s Strategy.
They will build on our success to date, leading and maintaining an environment of excellence in education, which will enable the delivery and continuous improvement of all our educational programmes, as well as looking for future growth opportunities. They must be an internationally competitive leader in an area of research aligned to health psychology, population health, health services research and/or our wider thematic research areas. The appointment will increase
the research presence and profile of the Department of Health Psychology and the School of Population Health both nationally and internationally and will grow RCSI’s reputation for excellence in the areas of Health Psychology and Population Health.
Successful experience as a senior academic and/ or department lead role is essential. Experience working in an inter-professional or multi-cultural context would be a distinct advantage as the successful appointee will actively collaborate across Schools and other RCSI campuses, for example RCSI-Bahrain. Previous examples of similar collaborations at a national and/or international
level would be valuable.

EDUCATION

• Participating in the administration and delivery of current education programmes, and teaching and assessment modalities in health psychology for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contributing to the development and introduction of new education programmes, teaching modalities and modes of assessment.
• Liaising with colleagues across RCSI’s international campuses in the facilitation of education and research activities.
• Participating in the development of RCSI’s Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy including the effective use of technology-enhanced learning.
• Contributing to quality assurance/quality improvement and accreditation of existing modules.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Psychology, and PhD/Doctorate in Psychology or very closely related discipline, with a population health focus.
• Significant experience in health psychology and population health, and knowledge of current issues and opportunities.
• A strong track record of senior authorship on high impact peer-reviewed publications in disciplines relevant to this post.
• A strong track record of obtaining external funding for research programmes.
• Senior level leadership experience.
• A recognised international expert in their relevant subject area as evidenced by a track record of regular.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide vision, leadership and innovation to develop and drive the goals in education and research of the RCSI Department of Health Psychology and School of Population Health, both locally and internationally.
• Working with the Head of School, lead the Department in contributing to and supporting the delivery of the School’s strategic plan, aligned with RCSI’s institutional strategy.
• Grow research grants and outputs through empowerment, development and support of academic staff in the Department and wider School and leverage synergies across RCSI and beyond.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertaking overseas assignments as may be required from time to time.
• Performing such other related duties as may be required to contribute to the development of the post while in office.
• Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required.
• Representing the best interests of the Department, School and RCSI at all times.
  Note: The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and can evolve over time.

ROLE REPORTING STRUCTURE

This role has access to the most senior members of RCSI’s leadership team. The successful candidate will report into the Head of the School of Population Health.

COMPETENCIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ROLE

• Excellent leadership skills, with an ability to lead a diverse team of academic, administrative and research professionals in a changing environment.
• Competitive research record, ideally on an international level, as evidenced by a sustained track record of successful grants and peer-reviewed publications in journals of high quality/impact.
• A clear and relevant research vision and well-developed research portfolio, presence and agenda.
• Strong interest and skill set in education, as evidenced by extensive experience of, proven track record in, and enthusiasm for developing and delivering engaging undergraduate and graduate teaching and assessment in health psychology and population health.
• An ability to communicate to inspire the wider academic community and public audiences.
• Highly collaborative approach to working with others to achieve shared objectives and desired outcomes.
• Ability to motivate and mentor a team of highly experienced colleagues towards career goals and academic excellence.
• A capacity to influence and adapt plans and bring others through required change, including an awareness of efficient resource management.
• A clear commitment to interdisciplinary and interprofessional working.
• An ability to lead and achieve innovation in relation to teaching and education as regards content, methodologies and delivery modes, and research in relation to opportunities and approaches.