Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research)

Terms of Appointment: This is a five-year appointment initially, with the possibility of renewal by Council for a further three years on the basis of a satisfactory performance review.

The post is full time: 0.8 FTE as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and 0.2 FTE allocated research time.

The successful post-holder will also be appointed to a permanent academic post at the University.

Location: Vice Chancellor’s Office

Responsible to: Vice Chancellor and Warden

Responsible for:

Direct line management responsibility for the Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Culture), Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PGR), and for Advanced Research Computing and the Durham University Research Institutes.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.  

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional individual as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) to provide leadership, advocacy for, and management of our research to deliver against our strategic ambitions.

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien, and supported by a Deputy to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) is a member of the University’s senior leadership team (the University Executive Committee, or UEC, chaired by the Vice Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O’Brien).

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), you will be responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the University’s research strategy, providing dynamic intellectual leadership and management for a diverse university with an international outlook that is already performing strongly.

With an exceptional research reputation and profile and significant senior leadership and management experience, you will be an excellent communicator, able to inspire and engage those around you, lead continuous improvement in the quality and impact of the University’s research outputs and build effective relationships with University colleagues and peer organisations across the globe. With the ability to think broadly and strategically, you will be someone who can challenge convention, push boundaries, and work innovatively to enhance the international reputation of the University.

The deadline for applications is 28 September 2025 at midnight BST.

We anticipate that interviews will be held in late October 2025.

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