Pro Dean (Research & Innovation)

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 84,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working

Staff wellbeing programmes

Staff discounts

Job summary

University of Portsmouth invites applications for an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Science & Health as Pro Dean (Research & Innovation). This senior role translates strategy into measurable faculty-wide outcomes and drives research, innovation and impact across the faculty.

The successful candidate will lead strategy development, champion excellence, build partnerships, and foster an inclusive, high-performing research culture while supporting Heads of Schools.

Qualifications

• Significant experience of research or innovation leadership in higher education or comparable environment.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver strategy and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Experience building collaborations, partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style with commitment to developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of the faculty's research and innovation strategy.
• Champion research excellence, innovation, impact and knowledge exchange.
• Build strategic partnerships and identify opportunities for funding and external engagement.
• Develop a strong, inclusive research culture and support Heads (Research & Innovation).
• Contribute to university-wide strategic planning as a member of the Faculty Executive Leadership Team.

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. Experience the pride of being part of a select group - one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings. Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role: We are seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Science & Health's leadership team as Pro Dean (Research & Innovation). This is a senior strategic role, providing leadership for research, innovation, knowledge exchange and impact across the faculty. Working closely with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), you will translate University strategy into ambitious, measurable faculty wide outcomes.

You will: Lead the development and delivery of the faculty's research and innovation strategy. Champion research excellence, innovation, impact and knowledge exchange. Build strategic partnerships and identify opportunities for research funding, collaboration and external engagement. Develop a strong, inclusive and high performing research culture. Support and develop the Associate Heads (Research & Innovation) across the schools. Use insight and evidence to drive performance, growth and continuous improvement. Contribute to University wide strategic planning and decision making as a member of the Faculty Executive Leadership Team.

You will be an experienced and credible academic leader with: Significant experience of research or innovation leadership in a higher education or comparable environment. A proven ability to develop and deliver strategy and achieve measurable outcomes. Experience of building successful collaborations, partnerships and funding opportunities. A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and creating an environment where research can thrive.

Location: Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.

Interview date: The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on Monday 12 October 2026.

Contact: If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Ruth Paterson at [e-mail]

Employer, External Only: University of Portsmouth Academic Services Ltd (UASL) Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32-35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

Salary Information: New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade. Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised. £83,506 to £92,015 per annum (Grade 11)