Dean for the School of Science at Aalto University
The School of Science is a pioneering research and education unit that boldly expands the boundaries of science. We match cutting-edge scientific and technological advances with societal needs, to produce far-reaching impact. The research at our school focuses on advanced energy solutions, condensed matter and materials physics; creation and transformation of technology-based business; data science and artificial intelligence; health technology; neuroscience; and software engineering. We have approximately 5000 students in total, and around 450 master’s and 80 doctoral degrees annually. Our personnel consist of 1200 people with 113 professors.
We are now seeking a new Dean for the School Science to drive excellence at Aalto University for academic and societal impact.
As our Dean, you will spearhead the academic and operational activities of the school, driving it towards international distinction and scholarly excellence. Your leadership will be pivotal in expanding the school's global influence and academic impact. With strategic vision and a commitment to collaboration, you will steer the school towards meeting ambitious goals and advancing Aalto University's overarching mission.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Provide academic and people-oriented leadership to our team of 1200 faculty and experts, fostering excellence in research, education and school services.
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Develop and implement a strategic vision, ensuring well-articulated goals and fostering a culture of collaboration.
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Drive fundraising initiatives and build strategic relationships with key stakeholders nationally and globally.
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Oversee strategic and operational planning, including budget management.
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Champion student-centric approaches to enhance engagement, academic success, and well-being.
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Undertake responsibilities as assigned by the Board and President, adhering to the school’s bylaws.
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Collaborate with university leaders to drive Aalto University's academic objectives.
Qualifications and Expertise Required:
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Doctoral degree with an academic track record in a relevant field.
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Extensive leadership experience in academia and/or research institution/organization, ideally as a Dean or in a comparable position in executive level.
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A commitment to advancing Aalto's unique interdisciplinary profile in technology, art, design, and business.
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Demonstrated ability to nurture national and international networks and enhance stakeholder collaboration for domestic academic visibility.
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Proficiency in English; good command in Finnish is seen as a merit.
Your Vision and Academic Commitment:
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Supportive of diversity, equality, and inclusive academic collaboration.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to conceptualize and communicate a unified vision.
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Dedication to fostering cross-disciplinary academic excellence.
This role is a fixed-term appointment for 5 years, with the possibility of renewing for a second term. You will report to the Provost, leading the school toward achieving prestigious academic standing in its fields.
Want to join us in shaping a sustainable future?
Please send your CV (max. 3 pages) and a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) as separate attachments (pdf-format), in English. In your motivation letter, please include a) your reasons for applying for this position, and b) why you believe you are a strong candidate, highlighting how your strengths align with the requirements of the role. Applications are to be submitted through the link "Apply now!" no later than September 1st, 2025. Recruitment committee Chair, Professor Sebastiaan van Dijken (sebastiaan.van.dijken@aalto.fi) and Committee Secretary Anu Suomäki (anu.suomaki@aalto.fi) are happy to answer any questions you might have. We aim to have a transparent and equal recruitment process, so feel free to ask us for feedback.
Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply with your personal email address (not aalto.fi) via
Aalto University open positions
We work in a hybrid model, with the primary workplace located at the Otaniemi Campus in Espoo, Finland. Life on the revitalized campus is vibrant, featuring stunning architecture, tranquil nature, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and services, all complemented by excellent public transportation connections. Finland is a great and safe environment, offering many excellent state-subsidized services, including affordable daycare and free primary and secondary education, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/en/services/why-finland
Want to know more about us and your future colleagues? You can watch these videos:
This is Aalto University!
Living and working in Finland:
Tamara Galkina
– School of Business
Adam Tickle
– Communications Services
Tomek
Rygalik
– School of Arts
Raising a family in Finland:
Yu Xiao
– School of Electrical Engineering
Read more about working at Aalto:
https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto
Check out our new virtual campus experience:
https://virtualtour.aalto.fi
Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 120 nationalities, 15 000 students, 500 professors and 5000 faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.
At Aalto, high-quality research, art, education and entrepreneurship are promoted hand in hand. Disciplinary excellence is combined with multidisciplinary activities, engaging both students and the local innovation ecosystem. Our campus is quickly transforming into an open collaboration hub that encourages encounters between students, researchers, industry, startups and other partners. Aalto University was founded in 2010 as three leading Finnish universities, Helsinki University of Technology, the Helsinki School of Economics and the University of Art and Design Helsinki, were merged to strengthen Finland’s innovative capability.
More about Aalto University:
Aalto.fi
youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity
linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/
www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity
instagram.com/aaltouniversity
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