Associate Dean - Research and Innovation

Contract Type: Open Ended

Work Hours: Week per Year

The role

We are seeking an Associate Dean - Research and Innovation to join the University of Bristol’s Mumbai Enterprise Campus (MEC) – a flagship transnational education initiative opening in 2026. This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting to the Executive Dean, to shape the research, innovation, and partnership strategy during the foundational years of the campus. The appointment is for a 3-year fixed term, renewable for one term, and includes a substantive professorial position.

You will lead the development of MEC’s research and innovation portfolio, ensuring strong two-way links with Bristol and fostering collaborations with industry, enterprise, and public sector partners. This role combines strategic leadership, operational delivery, and academic contribution, with dotted-line engagement to the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and collaboration across faculties.

What will you be doing?

• Research Leadership: Drive the creation of a vibrant research culture and innovation strategy at MEC. Champion partnerships with industry and enterprise, chair key committees, and lead major development projects.
• Academic Contribution: Deliver teaching in your area of expertise and oversee postgraduate research development aligned with global engagement goals. Promote interdisciplinary opportunities and integrate research strengths into programme offerings.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with Bristol faculties and thematic leaders to embed MEC within the University’s research and innovation strategy and explore joint research activities.
• Resource Management: Oversee staff leadership, mentoring, and wellbeing processes. Support planning cycles, budget management, and identify opportunities for income generation, including research grants, to ensure financial sustainability.

You should apply if

• You are an experienced academic leader with a professorial profile and a strong track record in research strategy and innovation.
• You can articulate a compelling vision for research and inspire teams through change and collaboration.
• You have proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and resources effectively.
• You thrive in international, cross-cultural environments and can build strong relationships across disciplines.
• You are committed to excellence in research and teaching, and passionate about shaping the future of transnational education.

Additional information

To apply for the role please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

Click here if you have any queries regarding the position. 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

Please note: this role is based in Mumbai, India and will be subject to local terms and conditions of employment and benefits. Specific contractual arrangements will be provided upon appointment.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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