Academic Director and Chair - Grade 10

The University of Liverpool is seeking to appoint a Professor to serve as Director of D-STAR, (Defence and Security Training and Applied Research). This new role will provide strategic leadership for the University’s defence and security portfolio spanning skills, research and innovation.

The post will be held alongside Professorial appointment in a discipline aligned with the successful candidate’s expertise.

The University of Liverpool has significant strengths in key sectors outlined in the government’s Industrial strategy – advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, defence and digital and technology – all of which are linked to the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy and National Security Strategy. This activity spans our faculties of science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, and health and life sciences. D-STAR is a new initiative that brings together this community, our research and innovation capabilities, and facilities to create an impact-driven platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and external engagement. Our world-class facilities include the Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), Pandemic Institute (PI) and the Institute of Digital Engineering and Autonomous Systems (IDEAS), all of which have capacity and activity relevant to defence and security challenges. We work in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) providing unique expertise and innovation. The University also engages with the Henry Royce Institute, including its Defence Materials Centre of Excellence (DMEX), and delivers a strong portfolio of postgraduate training. Significant additional expertise exists across the University, offering further potential for expansion.

D-STAR is now entering its next phase. The University aims to: 

• Deepen collaboration across existing research groups.
• Broaden participation across the institution.
• Strengthen partnerships with industry, government, funding bodies, professional institutes and regulators.
• Drive substantial growth in investment including skills and training contracts, research income, postgraduate research (PGR), research income as well as national and regional funding. 

You will lead this next stage – shaping and delivering a long-term, cross-disciplinary strategy that builds a sustainable, internationally competitive portfolio grounded in fundamental research with dual-use and export control. Acting as the University’s primary interface with defence and security sectors, you will engage with industry, government, funders, regulators, and professional bodies. Alongside this leadership role, you will maintain an active, internationally recognised research or practice-based portfolio through your Professorial appointment, which can be hosted in any of the three faculties.

We welcome applications from individuals with experience outside academia, including industry, government or the defence and security sectors.

You should hold a PhD and demonstrate a track record of leadership, innovation and impact commensurate with a Professorial appointment, whether developed within academia or through other career pathways.

This appointment is intended to be full-time, however part-time and flexible arrangements will be considered.

Informal enquiries can be directed to Professor Laura Harkness, Pro Vice Chancellor and the Head of the Faculty of Science and Engineering ljh@liverpool.ac.uk

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to enhancing a workforce as diverse as our community and particularly encourage applicants who are of minoritised genders and ethnic backgrounds, living with a disability, and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Closing Date: 14 June 2026 23:30

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.

Advert information