Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation

Vacancy terms: Full time and Initially for a four year period, with the potential for a further four-year term after which the role will be offered as a Professorial position on a permanent basis

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

The University of Leicester is renowned for its world-changing research and high-quality, inspirational teaching, and proud to have been awarded a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting our outstanding student experience and outcomes. Our commitment to excellence has also been recognised through recent accolades, including being named the Daily Mail University of the Year 2025 and shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2024.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and innovation. As Citizens of Change, our researchers are committed to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time. This includes combating disease, protecting and improving our environment, advancing social justice, and working towards a sustainable future. Last year was a landmark year for research at the University, with awards reaching an unprecedented £106.3 million. This achievement shows our enduring commitment to innovation, impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and emphasises the brilliance of our academic community in an increasingly competitive funding landscape.

Reporting to the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation will provide institution-wide leadership of research and innovation for the University. Working with members of the Executive Board and Senior Leadership Team, you will be accountable for the creation, development and implementation of the Research Strategy, and ensure that the priority activities identified are delivered and supported across the University. You will oversee the University’s research performance, doctoral college, and innovation strategy.

This is a high profile and pivotal appointment for the institution and an exciting opportunity for a highly credible academic, with a successful track record in research and teaching, together with outstanding leadership skills, strategic development and management experience gained in a research-intensive environment.

About you

You will be an accomplished communicator who can lead, inspire and motivate colleagues, and crucially you must be capable of leading change and delivering against the strategic priorities of the University. You will have the ability to think strategically and to develop a vision for the future of the University in and beyond the context of the University’s Research and Enterprise Strategy and be committed to enhancing the student experience and improving the working environment for staff, ensuring academic excellence, in all its forms. This role presents an opportunity to have a real impact on a vital and ambitious institution.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Henrietta O'Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor by email on hso1@le.ac.uk.

Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history and achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a two page covering letter describing briefly how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, the reasons for your interest in the role and what you'd like to achieve in the role. 

The first selection stage will take place remotely on 7 May 2026, with the final selection stage taking place in-person on19 May 2026.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 12 April 2026