Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to invite applications for three exciting opportunities as Deans reporting to the Vice-Principal (Research).
We seek highly credible applicants to fill the roles of: Research Dean for Impact and Engagement; Research Dean for Knowledge and Understanding and; Research Dean for People, Culture, and Environment.
Research Deans will each have clear portfolios that will include, but are not restricted to, core pillars of REF2028 activity and planning and, along with the Research Dean of Postgraduate Research, will be responsible for promoting excellence across their remit areas and driving positive change.
We strongly encourage applications from all academic communities across the University reflecting our desire to achieve a balance of speciality across the Research Dean team. We anticipate that where suitable candidates emerge that they will act as Main Panel Group Chairs (A, B, C, or D) within our new organisational structure supporting REF2028 preparations, as appropriate.
All successful candidates are anticipated to maintain effective liaison with Heads of School, Directors of Research, Interdisciplinary Challenge Directors, and UMG.
Full details of the job description for this role and the key attributes sought from applicants are provided below:
- Research Dean for Impact and Engagement
- Research Dean for Knowledge and Understanding
- Research Dean for People, Culture and Environment
This is an exciting time across the sector and the post holders will play key roles in defining our forward momentum over the coming years. These positions reflect the existing Research Dean positions with naming and responsibility adjustments to reflect our organisational focus on the upcoming REF2028 exercise.
Research Dean for Impact and Engagement
The Research Dean for Impact and Engagement will take the key role in promoting development of impactful research and its progression into impact case studies for submission into REF2028 and beyond. They will work closely with the R&I-based Impact and Engagement team, Chair the Impact Steering Group, interact closely with School/Unit Impact leads, and liaise with the Interdisciplinary Challenge Directors in identifying impact enhancement opportunities.
In addition to impact, they will also serve an important role in driving forward research engagement with academic research partnerships nationally and internationally. These include our strategic partnerships; Bergen, Calgary, and Curtin, amongst others.
Research Dean for Knowledge and Understanding
The Research Dean for Knowledge and Understanding will take the key role in helping shape our portfolio, quality, and assessment of outputs across the organisation. They will work closely and provide leadership to the R&I-based REF team, Chair the Output Steering Group, and liaise closely with the School Directors of Research in delivering this aspect of their portfolio. They will take overall responsibility for provision of leadership into Grant Academy, helping to enhance the quality and competitiveness of our external grant applications. They will have oversight of research ethics and governance and work with Chairs of Ethics Boards and Committees to ensure high standards in this area.
Research Dean for People, Culture and Environment
The Research Dean for People, Culture, and Environment will take the key role in development and implementation of measures designed to enhance the way we support a positive research culture for all. These will follow on, but not be restricted to, plans developed by the previous Research Dean with responsibility for that portfolio area. They will work closely and provide leadership to the R&I-based REF PCE team, the School/Unit PCE leads, and liaise closely with a range of relevant stakeholders including EDIC and HR.
Applications are welcome from academic members of staff. Deans are appointed on a 50% of full-time basis and School duties will be adjusted to an agreed level to enable the role holder to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. Consideration will be given to flexible working requests and/or alternative models of delivery, where applicants can demonstrate that the requirements of the role can be delivered. The role holder will receive a superannuable allowance of £5,000 per annum. The role is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of three years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance for one further period of up to three years.
Confidential and informal enquiries regarding the nature of these appointments should be made to Professor Nick Forsyth, Vice-Principal (Research) by email: nicholas.forsyth@abdn.ac.uk
Applications should include a CV and a covering letter not exceeding 300 words (per Research Dean role of interest), outlining and prioritising Research Dean role(s) of interest, and detailing plan(s) for the role(s). We welcome applications from individuals for multiple Research Dean roles and request that these be ranked in order of preference.
Applications should be sent to Lisa Sutherland-George, Senior HR Partner Resourcing Lisa.Sutherland-George@abdn.ac.uk by 21 December 2023. It is anticipated that interviews will take place on the 24 January 2024.
Promoting Diversity and Equal Opportunities throughout the University
Best Wishes
Nick
Nick Forsyth
Vice-Principal (Research)