Professor of Research Impact & Engagement / Director of the Centre for Future Societies Research (CFSR)

FTE: 0.6 FTE (working 22.2 hours a week)

Duration of Contract: Initial 4 year tenure

Salary: AM2 £74,481 - £79,901 pro rata pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave:  35 days pro rata plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year 

The University is seeking an outstanding leader to take on the dual position of Professor of Research Impact and Engagement and Director of the Centre for Future Societies Research. Reporting directly to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, this is a unique opportunity to influence the University’s research environment, driving excellence in interdisciplinary research, impact, and engagement, while shaping the strategic vision of the Centre for Future Societies Research.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As Professor and Director, the successful candidate will lead the Centre for Future Societies Research, a pan-University hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, dedicated to investigating how we can make the future world a better place. Building and sustaining high-value partnerships with policymakers, funders, and organisations across academic, public, private and third sectors the post holder will take a central role in developing major funding proposals that align with institutional and national priorities. You will foster an inclusive research culture to support postgraduate, early career and more senior researchers to excel and as an academic authority, enhancing the visibility of the University’s influence on policy, practice and public discourse.

Experience and skills

We welcome applications from candidates with or without traditional academic backgrounds, provided they can demonstrate a strong track record in income capture, research impact, knowledge mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement. Candidates will be experienced leaders, adept at building partnerships that drive innovation and influence policy, with the ability to inspire teams, mentor researchers, and support postgraduate students.

Qualifications

Educated to doctoral level or with the equivalent level of training and experience needed to meet our Professor policy and regulation requirements.

We anticipate the successful candidate will take up this post in January 2026.

How to apply

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. 

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

Please also upload your full CV as a separate document on the application webpage. Please provide suitable contact details.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Please read the ‘University Policy and Regulations – Professorships’ document to ensure you are fully aware of the requirements on, and for the appointment of, a Professor at the University. 

As this is a Professorial appointment, the names and contact details of three academic referees of appropriate standing in the field are required at application, who may be approached by the University prior to interview. Please include their details in your Personal Statement or Supporting Documents. 

Closing Date: 20 October 2025

Interview Date: 17 November 2025

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

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