Director of Digital Research (IT)

Are you an academic passionate about computationally intensive research and how digital technologies can unlock and empower world-leading research? Would you like to provide academic leadership and strategic direction to technology solutions to better support researchers? Do you want to apply your knowledge and expertise to create a seamless relationship between research, digital and the research community?  

Working within the Digital Technology Services team and reporting to the Chief Information Officer, you will be responsible for the Digital Research function, including the Research Software Engineering team and a broader team of IT professionals on a matrix basis. You will also work closely with the Dean of Digital Transformation, Faculty Research Pro-Deans and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation.  

You will play a significant strategic role in undertaking cross-institutional activity, contributing to strategic developments and determining, leading and implementing the strategy for research in the context of research computing. 

The University has approved an investment of £27.7M in research computing over the next five years. You will lead and develop a team of professionals focused on supporting high-quality research and innovation applications, research software engineering and leading the collaboration between Research colleagues, Digital Technology Services, and the broader University.  

Ultimately you will be accountable for providing Researchers with the tools and technology services that will maximise Researcher productivity and help the university to enhance its competitive position in the field of research.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 21.6% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development and Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

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

Dan Simms, Chief Information Officer
Email: d.simms@leeds.ac.uk

Anticipated interview dates: 2^nd and 3^rd May 2023.