Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)

University of the West of Scotland

Full time, Permanent

University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is driving an ambitious strategy to deliver high-quality, impactful research, that will lead to creative solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges as well as inform our under- and post graduate curricula; alongside global engagement agenda to reflect the needs of the 21st century workplace. UWS works in partnership with its students to deliver world-ready graduates who will design, shape and build a new future. We are pioneers in developing effective interactions with global business, and the private, public and voluntary sectors.

UWS research and innovations will address major global challenges. Through our multi-disciplinary teams, we will deliver at a scale and intensity that will ensure sustainable impact and assist in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Follow the promotion of our existing Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UWS Principal & Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Miller FRSE, seeks an outstanding individual to join his Executive Team (VCE):

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation)

As a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive (VCE), in addition to the portfolio responsibilities, the post holder contributes to the overall leadership and collective responsibility for the delivery of the operational imperatives that in turn realise the strategic ambitions of the University.

Undertaking appropriate horizon scanning to ensure greater understanding of the political, economic social and technical environment and their interdependencies with higher education sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally, assessing their implications and advising on appropriate plans/actions.

Through the Directors and Heads, enhance departmental effectiveness and efficiency, building and directing high performance teams to deliver responsive, supportive and sound business solutions to complex portfolios, ensuring that team members work in partnership with the wider University teams to deliver outstanding impact and outcomes. 

You will have overall responsibility for all staff within the functions of Research & Innovation and work with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Student Success) to ensure that the interdependency between research and learning and teaching is firmly embedded within programme design, development, and delivery.  

This role covers all 5 campuses, which include 1,400 staff and 23,000 students.

The successful candidate should have the following:

First degree and relevant doctorate.   

A Professorial title or a CV evaluated at Professorial level against the university’s academic career framework criteria.

Demonstrable experience in the field of Research and Innovation with a track record of managing and delivering a REF submission. 

A recognised leader in the field through extensive publication and professional profile. 

Demonstrable track record of leadership of academic and professional staff and the delivery of plans and strategy.

Experience in delivering against the interface between research & innovation and learning & teaching that has delivered outstanding research student experience and outcomes.  

Ideally a senior or principal fellow of the HEA or an equivalent set of experiences that would withstand peer review and scrutiny.

Proven success in leading large functions and delivering operations and strategies within an internationally connected university.

Experience of developing and contributing to long-term strategic business planning, within higher education sector environment,

Significant experience of delivering and embedding change in a complex environment.

Experience in, or a demonstrable understanding of, the Scottish higher education landscape.

Ideally an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in multi-campus delivery.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

UWS was officially recognised in the top 300 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2^nd most impactful university in Scotland, and joint 25th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10). (source: The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023).

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Jillian Martin, Office Manager by email: Jillian.Martin@uws.ac.uk

Closing Date: 7^th April 2024

Interview Date: 25^th April 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.