Deputy Director for Research Culture

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Opportunity open to existing Grade 9 / Grade 10 academic or professional services members of staff within the University of Leeds only.

Are you a proactive and influential colleague with the passion and commitment to drive a positive research culture? Are you a confident leader capable of building excellent working relationships with diverse colleagues and other stakeholders?

The University’s Strategy 2020-2030 states that we can only achieve our ambitions in research, education, and societal impact through a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and supportive culture. In line with changing research practices across the sector, the University is focusing its attention and resources on fostering a more positive research culture for current and future generations of research teams. 

Research culture activities were formalised in 2021, marking the start of a University-wide consultation which documented and analysed successes and challenges to our research culture. Following the building of a central team and the launch of the institutional research culture strategy in 2023, we are now seeking a Deputy Director to play a key leadership role in achieving the objectives within the strategy. 

You will take responsibility for embedding and implementing the strategy internally, and transitioning its initiatives to business-as-usual. Your work will complement the Dean’s role, as increasing external opportunities necessitate an expansion of leadership.  

You will need to build networks and trust across the University, and to work effectively in a complex and changing environment. Your approach will be considered, persuasive, and engaging, bringing key stakeholders along with you. You will ensure strategic alignment and drive transformational change across the institution.

Reporting to the Dean for Research Culture, you will co-lead the University towards a more collaborative, inclusive, and enabling research culture. You will join a highly collaborative and collegiate team comprising the Dean, the Research Culture manager,, and other project managers and advisors. You will work collaboratively with the Research Culture team, Pro-Deans for Research and Innovation, senior Professional Services colleagues, and other colleagues across the University. This post offers the opportunity to shape a major strategic initiative at Leeds, intersecting with related initiatives such as Athena Swan, the Technician Commitment, the Researcher Development Concordat, and the Research Excellence Framework.

This fractional secondment is open to academic and professional services staff currently in a Grade 9 or 10 role, and will run until July 2025. Workload remission and secondment arrangements will need to be negotiated between the applicant and their line manager. 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Cat Davies, Dean for Research Culture
Email: [email protected]  

Interviews are expected to be held w/c 15 or 22 April 2024.

Location:  Leeds – Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Professional Services
School/Institute:  Research & Innovation Service
Section:  Research Culture
Category:  Professional & Managerial
Grade: 
Grade 9
to Grade 10
Salary:  Workload remission
Working Time:  0.4 fte
Post Type: 
Part Time
Contract Type:  Fixed Term (until July 2025)
Release Date:  Thursday 07 March 2024
Closing Date:  Friday 22 March 2024
Reference:  CSRIS1323
Downloads:  Candidate Brief