Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange

Full-time, permanent 

Leeds Beckett University is committed to making a positive and decisive difference to individuals, organisations, and communities through excellent education and research. We aim to be recognised globally as an inclusive anchor for the Leeds City Region and as an outstanding university that supports its diverse student community in achieving excellent outcomes while generating impactful and significant research. 

The School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing (BEC) brings together a variety of related sectors, including built environment and construction, human and natural environments, engineering industries, and computing, IT, and digital industries in a dynamic and vibrant setting, with a rapidly growing student cohort from diverse backgrounds.

The School is seeking a highly qualified and experienced individual for the position of Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange. This important role provides an extraordinary opportunity for an academic leader to shape and enhance the research landscape of the School while fostering an innovative knowledge exchange environment. 

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation, Directors of Research from the other seven Schools, as well as other key stakeholders across the University to devise and implement a comprehensive strategy, rooted in the University Research Strategy, that drives impactful research and knowledge transfer across the School’s diverse portfolio of subjects. Your expertise will bolster research funding efforts, and you will lead initiatives that support a thriving research culture. The successful candidate will be an existing Professor with a substantial academic track record in a discipline that enriches the School’s research activities and will be able to demonstrate leadership in research and knowledge exchange initiatives. Additionally, evidence of successfully securing and managing external research funding will be essential.

You will develop and lead the implementation of the School’s objectives for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and other assessments such as KEF and HEIF, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of required submissions. You will collaborate with the Dean and the Pro Vice Chancellor to develop a strategic approach that encourages cross-school collaboration and fosters innovative research initiatives. You will cultivate an inspiring research environment that empowers and supports academic staff throughout their research journeys, focusing on nurturing their profiles and capabilities. You will design and implement processes that enhance the School’s contribution to research and knowledge exchange income while overseeing the establishment of impactful partnerships. You will provide strategic leadership in academic planning, setting clear targets, and monitoring progress to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. You will uphold the standards of the School’s research programmes, ensuring adherence to compliance regulations while providing essential development opportunities for research students.

You will possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally. Presenting a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the research environment and the wider academic community, you will exhibit strong organisational skills and the capacity to develop and implement strategy effectively in a fast-paced environment.

At Leeds Beckett University, we believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere that empowers all staff and students. As Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange, you will not only lead research efforts within the School, but also contribute meaningfully to the institution's cultural and intellectual fabric.

We are committed to offering a supportive working environment that promotes professional growth and personal well-being. You will have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise.

How to Apply:

Further information is available here: Leeds Beckett University - Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange (School of BEC) | AQ and applications are invited via this link.

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, and in addition to the public advertisement, Anderson Quigley is conducting an executive search process.

The closing date for applications is noon on 29^th July 2025

Applications should consist of:

• A full CV.
• A letter of application (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivation for applying for the role and how you meet the points in the Specification.
• Please include details of three referees, though please note that we will not approach referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact

Aino Betts on Aino.Betts@andersonquigley.com  or +44 (0)7743 934 723 or

Kiersten Avery on kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com or +44 (0)7510 384 735.