Scientific Director – UK Knowledge Exchange Hub for Mathematical Sciences

0.5 FTE | National Leadership Role

Are you a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for mathematical sciences knowledge exchange? The UK Knowledge Exchange Hub for Mathematical Sciences (KE Hub) is seeking an outstanding academic to become its next Scientific Director.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to shape the national agenda for mathematical sciences knowledge exchange with business, industry, charity and government, building on the KE Hub’s award-winning success, and driving innovation, partnerships and impact across the UK.

Launched in 2023 and now supported by a £2.1M EPSRC grant, the KE Hub is the UK’s national infrastructure for mathematical sciences knowledge exchange. Operating mainly virtually and hosted by the University of Bristol, the KE Hub connects mathematical scientists with real-world challenges, supports collaboration and innovation, and helps drive impact from mathematical sciences research.

The successful candidate will provide overall scientific and strategic leadership for the KE Hub, working closely with the Operations Director, Co-Leads, Board, and wider stakeholder community. They will oversee a growing national portfolio of activities and initiatives, strengthen partnerships with business, business, industry, charity and government, and act as a national advocate for mathematical sciences knowledge exchange.

We welcome applications from collaborative outward-facing internationally recognised university-based mathematical scientists with experience and strong track record in leadership, strategic thinking, and knowledge exchange.

The successful candidate will play a central role in positioning mathematical sciences at the heart of UK innovation and productivity, while helping to secure the long-term future of the KE Hub.

The appointment is a 0.5 FTE role for four years beginning on 1 April 2027 (and subject to securing funding from 1 April 2029), with a short transition period as Scientific Director Elect from January–March 2027. The successful candidate will remain employed by their current university.

The further particulars may be found here.

We particularly encourage women and /or candidates from a Global Majority background to apply for this role as they are currently under-represented at senior levels within the Mathematical Sciences KE landscape.

Informal enquiries regarding the role should be made to Chris Breward, current KE Hub Scientific Director (chris.breward@maths.ox.ac.uk). Enquiries about the process should be made to Alistair Fitt, Chair of the KE Hub Board (afitt@brookes.ac.uk).

Advert information