The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), the nation’s leading public research university, seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and inclusive leader as its next Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences.
UC Berkeley is internationally renowned for excellence across disciplines, for the opportunities it affords students of all backgrounds, and for scientific discovery, innovation, and cultural creativity. Ranked nationally as the No. 1 public university by U.S. News & World Report Rankings 2025–2026, the Berkeley campus is home to over 33,000 undergraduate students and more than 12,800 graduate students, as well as approximately 1,600 tenured/tenure-track faculty across 16 schools and colleges. Berkeley’s professors are highly distinguished researchers, scholars, and experts in their field, as attested by their many Nobel Prizes, other distinguished awards, and memberships in the most prestigious learned societies.
UC Berkeley’s Division of Biological Sciences (https://biology.berkeley.edu/), a unit of the College of Letters & Science (https://ls.berkeley.edu/), generates profound shifts in our understanding of the function and behavior of living organisms. CRISPR genome engineering, immuno-oncology, telomeres and telomerase, the proto-human “Ardi,” and the molecular behavior of insulin are examples of world-altering achievements associated with Berkeley. With over 150 active faculty and affiliates in three departments and one program (https://biology.berkeley.edu/academics/academic-departments), and a range of centers, institutes, and museums (https://biology.berkeley.edu/centers-institutes-museums), the Division’s undergraduates and graduate students learn from and work with some of the world’s leading scientists, deciphering the interplay of living systems from the intracellular to the ecosystemic to the planetary. The Division’s alumni are among the most influential leaders in academia, the life sciences industry, and other fields.
Within the University of California’s shared governance structure, the Dean serves as the Chief Academic Officer and Executive of the Division, reporting directly to the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost (https://evcp.berkeley.edu/about-evcp/evcp-benjamin-e-hermalin). The Dean also works in close collaboration with the deans of the other divisions that constitute the UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science (https://ls.berkeley.edu/ls-divisions) in support of the College’s research and teaching missions, and partners with deans across campus to advance institution-wide priorities and initiatives. The Dean provides leadership and is responsible for all matters relating to the administration of the Division, including academic programs, personnel, budgets, alumni engagement, fundraising, and government and industry relations.
The new Dean will lead a world-class enterprise at an important moment of transition, using this moment to reflect on strengths, set a clear strategic direction, strengthen financial sustainability, and amplify impact. The Dean will be charged with articulating and implementing a forward-looking vision, working in close collaboration with faculty to shape and advance shared “big ideas” that align the community, fostering greater cohesion across departments and units, positioning the Division for emerging opportunities in areas such as AI and interdisciplinary science, and positioning it for shifts already occurring in research funding and graduate education. Central to this role is diversifying revenue streams beyond federal funding through philanthropy, partnerships, and innovative academic programs, while fostering cross-campus collaboration to elevate Berkeley’s leadership at the intersections of biology, technology, and global challenges. The Dean will also play a critical role in reimagining higher education in the biological sciences to better serve an evolving student population, enhancing coherence, access, and sustainability. As an advocate and ambassador, the Dean will represent the Division’s priorities within the University and nationally, securing resources, strengthening infrastructure, and shaping broader conversations about the future of science and higher education. Finally, by more fully integrating Berkeley’s distinctive assets and telling a cohesive story of its contributions, from fundamental discovery to societal impact, the Dean will unlock new opportunities for growth, visibility, and influence.
The ideal candidate will be a decisive leader who can advocate for the Division’s needs and earn the trust and confidence of the faculty through scientific stature, transparency, and responsiveness. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to shared governance, with the ability to partner effectively with faculty and the Academic Senate through transparent decision-making, inclusive consultation, and mutual respect. A doctoral degree, either a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent international degree, and a distinguished record of excellence in teaching, research, and significant professional activity appropriate for a tenured faculty appointment at the level of full professor at UC Berkeley are required.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. The search will remain confidential until the Dean is named. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV/resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile (https://api.wittkieffer.com/wp-content/uploads/position/uc-berkeley-dean-of-the-division-of-biological-sciences-leadership-profile.pdf). Review of applications has begun and will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, all materials should be received by August 10, 2026.
Application materials should be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal at https://apptrkr.com/7233533. Candidates can also find this portal via the WittKieffer website by selecting the “Become a Candidate” button at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/a1wut000006cnhdmak. Applicants must also apply directly to UC Berkeley at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05395.
The posted University of California Deans’ Salary Bands set the pay ranges for deans (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/compensation/deans-salary-structure/deans-salary-bands.html). The Division of Biological Sciences dean position is included in Band 2: $239,600-$611,100. The minimum salary that UC Berkeley expects to pay for this position is $450,000.
The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. See the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy at http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.
This position is a sensitive position and is subject to a criminal background check. Questions may be referred to Sumali Tuchrello at [email protected]. 