Academic Director of Research Methods Centre

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About us

The Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy is home to one of the largest, most diverse and international communities for social science research and education in Europe. We have world-leading expertise across social science disciplines, with recognised strengths in security studies, political economy, global health and international development, social risk and resilience, and education and social justice. Our global perspective draws on specialist expertise about important and dynamic regions of the world, including Europe, China, India, Brazil, Russia and the Middle East.

We believe our education and research can influence social change by focusing on real-world problems, by combining perspectives, insights and methods from different bodies of knowledge, and by working with our partners in society. We have deep relationships with government, business, civil society and international organisations, using our position in central London to convene and influence understanding, innovation and practice in the UK and internationally. We share a commitment to engaged curiosity and action in an open, collaborative and inclusive culture.

About the role

The Director will lead the Faculty's strategic investment in a Centre to foster innovation and collaboration in research methods across the Faculty and beyond. The Methods Centre aims to cultivate a robust and inclusive research methods culture, serve as a reflective space for ethics and research integrity, and function as a central hub for methods teaching and training.

The Director will be responsible for transforming an emerging network into a visible and influential presence. The role will be to encourage innovation and collaboration across research and education, to build an internal network with external connections and ambitions, and to exploit opportunities to harmonise methods teaching in pursuit of excellence.

This is a part time post (17.5 Hours per week), and the successful candidate will be offered a fixed term contract until end of August 2028.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD qualified within the social science subject area
2. Proven track record of research into, and teaching of research methods
3. Significant experience of leadership in academic administration and leadership of change
4. Demonstrable capability to build, nurture and maintain effective internal and external partnerships
5. Experience in developing and leading multi-disciplinary research projects, and in securing grant income
6. Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert.

Interviews are due to be held on Tues 18 and/or Monday 24 February 2025.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.