Pro-Director- Research & Knowledge Exchange

PRO-DIRECTOR- RESEARCH & KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

SOAS University of London, is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our mission is to generate knowledge and understanding to address the global challenges of our time - from grappling with issues such as peace and security, climate change, migration and human rights to the arts, heritage and languages. Our knowledge and expertise positions us to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, ensuring marginalised communities are heard and contributing towards building a more equitable world.  

To enable delivery of this plan, the institution aims to build its commitment to research intensity and to build an enabling research environment which drives research productivity, quality and research income. The institution also aims to build on its research strengths, seeking to maximise its impact, increasing outputs and growing income. There are huge unrealised opportunities for SOAS, given the relevance and range of its disciplinary interests.

The appointee will build on a successful 2022 REF performance and will have the chance to make a strategic difference as SOAS enters the next cycle. The appointee will take direct responsibility for stewarding the doctoral school and assist the Deputy Director and Provost in stewarding Master’s programmes and postgraduate diplomas. They would need to work with Heads of College and Heads of Department to facilitate this outcome. The appointee will also be a key member of SOAS’s senior management team and will play a critical role in shaping the institution’s strategy.  

The successful candidate will be responsible for promoting overall growth, whilst encouraging an increasing focus on activities which are rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.  The appointee will also have responsibility for leading SOAS’s REF preparations, diversifying and growing sources of research income, promoting new areas of activity and expanding postgraduate and postdoctoral research activity.

Strong candidates must have proven academic and managerial leadership and will have a track record of innovation, performance improvement and external engagement. They will be strong innovators and persuaders and will have a strategic approach to their work that will enable them to make a valuable contribution to the leadership of the University.  

For more information please visit www.minervasearch.com/soasresearch.   

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter to soasresearch@minervasearch.com by 21 June 2022.