Professor/Associate Dean (Research And Innovation)

De Montfort University; Leicester; On-site; GBP 87,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

De Montfort University in Leicester invites applications for Professor/Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) to lead the faculty's research strategy and drive impact across academia and industry.

The role requires strategic oversight of research income, enterprise and knowledge exchange, and close collaboration with senior leaders to deliver the university's objectives. Interviews begin on 20th November 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership roles focused on research strategy and culture.
• Proven track record in securing external research funding and driving impact.
• Ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture's research and innovation strategy.
• Support research excellence, increase research income, and develop strategic collaborations.
• Provide leadership for REF submissions and for knowledge exchange initiatives.
• Build and sustain relationships with industry, government, public sector organisations and academic partners.

Job description

Job Description

Professor/Associate Dean (Research And Innovation)

Requisition Id: 681

Job Location: Gateway House

Full-time/Part-time: Full-time

Employee Weekly Hours: 37.00

Maximum Salary: 91,463.00 GBP

Minimum Salary: 87,305.00 GBP

Application Closing Date: 02/11/2026

Main duties and responsibilities

The Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) is a senior leadership role within the Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture, providing strategic leadership for research, innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange activities. Reporting to the Dean of Faculty and working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), the postholder will drive research excellence, innovation and impact across the faculty while fostering a vibrant and sustainable research culture.

The Faculty

The Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture is home to a diverse community of academics, researchers, students and external partners committed to delivering impactful research, supporting innovation and enterprise, and contributing to economic, social and cultural development. The Associate Dean will play a pivotal role in advancing the university's strategic ambitions by enhancing research performance, increasing external funding opportunities and strengthening the faculty's reputation nationally and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

The Associate Dean will lead the development and delivery of the faculty's research and innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with the university's wider objectives. Working closely with colleagues across the institution and external partners, the postholder will support research excellence, increase research income, develop strategic collaborations and create opportunities for innovation, enterprise and knowledge exchange. The role will provide leadership for the faculty's contribution to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), supporting the development of high-quality research outputs, impact and research environment. The successful candidate will encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and help position the faculty to respond effectively to emerging trends and opportunities across the research and innovation landscape. The postholder will also build and strengthen relationships with industry, government, public sector organisations and academic partners, helping to deliver impactful research, commercial activity and knowledge exchange initiatives that enhance the faculty's external profile and contribution to society. As a member of the faculty leadership team, the Associate Dean will provide strategic direction, inspire and support colleagues, and ensure that research and innovation activities are delivered in line with university policies, governance requirements and sector expectations.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of research and innovation within the Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture and play a leading role in delivering the university's strategic ambitions. Working alongside senior leaders across the institution, you will help drive research excellence, innovation, collaboration and impact for the benefit of our students, staff, partners and wider communities.

Interviews will commence on Friday 20th of November.

Contact

For further information regarding the role please contact
Shushma Patel - [e-mail]