Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services

Based across two campuses in the vibrant city of Leeds, Leeds Beckett is a modern, inclusive, professional university with ambition. Our Strategic Plan 2021-2026 clearly articulates our purpose: to make a positive and decisive difference to people, organisations and communities through excellent education, research and service. We have developed powerful interdisciplinary expertise to tackle challenges such as obesity, improving the energy performance of homes and making our cities more sustainable, and playing our part in ensuring economic growth is fair and inclusive. Our REF results were testimony to just how much we have grown the quality of our research, and we are proud to be recognised in the KEF for our high degree of involvement in research partnerships.

Within our community there is an energy, drive and ambition to grow our research and knowledge exchange and we have set ourselves clear, strategic targets for the future. Reporting to the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, our Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services will work in partnership with colleagues to develop a collaborative and ambitious research eco-system that will deliver against our strategic ambitions.

As our Director you will lead the University’s research and knowledge exchange service to ensure professional and high-quality support for School-based plans, and to support inclusive career development of professional service colleagues in research and knowledge exchange. You will be committed to continuous improvement of processes and systems and will lead interventions and schemes that deliver an increasingly vibrant research environment and grow research impact.

To apply you will have a detailed understanding of the UK and international research funding landscape and government and HE research agendas, with strong professional networks. With a collaborative approach, you will demonstrate a successful track record in the development and delivery of research and/or knowledge exchange initiatives, with proven ability to lead and effect change at a senior level and take a strategic view of issues. You will be joining a team that is collaborative and inclusive with ambitions to make a positive difference for our colleagues and communities we serve, therefore your ability to nurture a culture of continuous improvement and introduce new and best practice will be essential.

Research culture and the environment within which we research, teach and learn are important to us, and our values inform what we do and how we do it. This is an exciting opportunity to work with us, lead and develop a professional service, and make a difference. For further information about this opportunity please visit: https://www.dixonwalter.co.uk/opportunities/lbu-director-of-research-and-ke/ or contact Emma Wilkins at Dixon Walter at emma@dixonwalter.co.uk or on 07741 875289.

Hybrid working is available.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 30 May 2023.

Working here means you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities and a lot more.

Leeds Beckett University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and positively welcomes applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented at this level. We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.