Director Rural Lab

Permanent

35 hours per week

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a world leading, independent, university-level institution for the visual creative disciplines. We attract some of the finest academic and creative talent and are committed to creating and sustaining learning and working environments, where difference is respected and the widest possible range of cultural and social perspectives are valued.

Applications are invited for the Director of Rural Lab, within Research & Innovation, based at GSA’s Highlands & Islands Campus in Forres.

This is a significant opportunity to shape the future direction of rural, island and marine research, innovation and knowledge exchange at GSA, establishing Rural Lab as a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence. Working within GSA’s Highlands & Islands campus, you will lead work that explores and develops rural economies and creative ecosystems, influencing policy and practice and delivering meaningful social, cultural, environmental and economic impact.

Working under the strategic direction of the Deputy Director and Vice Principal (Research & Innovation), you will provide the academic vision and strategic leadership for an ambitious and distinctive portfolio of work. You will build influential national and international partnerships across rural, environmental and regional sectors, secure significant external investment and strengthen GSA’s profile and influence across rural research, policy and innovation.

Working collaboratively across GSA and with external partners, including GSA Civic Lab in Glasgow, you will develop pioneering areas of rural, environmental and place-based research, support interdisciplinary activity and help build a thriving postgraduate research community.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative academic leader with a Professorial-level profile, a PhD in a relevant discipline, and an internationally recognised track record in place-based research and creative practice. You will bring significant experience of leading major partnerships, research centres, labs or strategic initiatives, alongside a strong record of securing major national and international funding and delivering large-scale collaborative research programmes.

You will combine strategic vision with an inclusive and collegiate approach to leadership, with the ability to build effective partnerships, influence rural, environmental or sustainability policy and practice, translate research into meaningful impact, and represent GSA nationally and internationally.

Interviews for this post are expected to take place online in October 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

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

If you don’t currently have the right to work and live in the UK, we are able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Work Visas subject to UK Visa’s and Immigration (UKVI) requirements if the role meets the Home Office eligibility requirements. Details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa 

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact HRServicedesk@gsa.ac.uk

The Glasgow School of Art is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in work and study. We strive to create and maintain an inclusive environment where all students and employees feel safe, understood and valued. Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, ethnic or religious background, gender identity or sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, caring responsibilities or care experience.

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