Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to invite applications for an exciting opportunity to join the team of Research Deans.
Reporting to the Vice-Principal (Research) this post will play a key role in defining our forward momentum over the coming years. The Dean for Impact and Engagement has a clear portfolio that includes a focus on a core pillar of REF2029 activity and planning. In conjunction with the Vice-Principal (Research), the Dean for Research Culture, the Dean for Knowledge and Understanding, and the Dean for Postgraduate Research, they will be responsible for promoting excellence across their remit area 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 REF2029 preparations, as appropriate. All successful candidates are anticipated to maintain effective liaison with Heads of School, Directors of Research, Interdisciplinary Institute Directors, and UMG.
Full details of the role and remit are available via this link.
The 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 REF2029 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 Institute 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; Artic, Bergen, Calgary, and Curtin, amongst others.
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 direct to me by emailing nicholas.forsyth@abdn.ac.uk.
Applications should include a CV and a covering letter not exceeding 300-words, outlining and detailing plans for the role. Applications should be sent to Lisa Sutherland-George, Senior HR Partner Resourcing Lisa.Sutherland-George@abdn.ac.uk by 20 July 2025. It is anticipated that interviews will take place on the 11 August 2025.
Best wishes
Nick
Professor Nick Forsyth
Vice-Principal (Research)