MPLS Associate Head (Research and Innovation)
We are inviting expressions of interest for an important senior academic leadership role within the MPLS Division, offering a three-year term. This is an opportunity for you to collaborate with departments to support the development of the division’s research and innovation portfolio.
As one of six Associate Heads of Division in our senior academic leadership team, you will play a key role in high-level decision-making across the University. You will support the MPLS Head of Division on a range of research and innovation matters, serving as an ex-officio member of the MPLS Divisional Board and General Purposes Committee. You will also participate in weekly Associate Heads meetings with the Head of Division, covering topics from academic post proposals and administrative restructures to strategic and policy matters.
You will be supported in all aspects of the role by members of the Research Support team in the MPLS Divisional Office. You will also work closely with senior colleagues across the University’s Research Services.
Please refer to the full role description here, before applying (Word doc).
Contact communications@mpls.ox.ac.uk if you are unable to access the Word document.
Leadership opportunity
Within MPLS Division, our Associate Heads of Division play a prominent and critical role in helping to shape the Division’s strategic vision within their individual portfolio, working with the Head of Division, and supporting MPLS departments to deliver their academic mission. Each Associate Head provides academic leadership for their relevant divisional activities, and represents and advocates for MPLS positions in interactions with University leaders, in relevant governance structures, and with external stakeholders as required.
Our key priorities in MPLS in the remit of this role include:
- Influence the shaping of University-wide initiatives in research and innovation
- Advocate for MPLS perspectives in central University strategic projects
- Work collaboratively to improve MPLS research culture and enhance the experiences of research staff
- Contribute to achieving enhanced levels of support from research funders and industrial collaboration.
How to apply
To apply, please submit a brief Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) with your CV, by email in confidence, to Tracy Gale (Divisional Registrar) at tracy.gale@mpls.ox.ac.uk no later than 12-noon on Monday 19 June 2025.
For an informal discussion about the role, please feel free to contact Jim Naismith (james.naismith@mpls.ox.ac.uk), Tracy Gale (tracy.gale@mpls.ox.ac.uk), Martin Edmunds (martin.edmunds@mpls.ox.ac.uk) or any other member of our senior academic leadership team.
In addition, Dermot O’Hare (dermot.ohare@chem.ox.ac.uk), the outgoing Associate Head (Research and Innovation) has kindly agreed to discuss the role with any interested colleagues.
Further details
This appointment is for three years initially, with the option to request a renewal at the end of that term.
Please note that the responsibilities of this role must be carried out around a candidate’s substantive role, within their existing contractual hours (FTE) and term of employment.
Candidates must be able to dedicate the equivalent of one day a week throughout each 10-week extended term time period to fulfilling the responsibilities of this role.
Individual arrangements to facilitate this will be discussed between the successful candidate, their department, and the Divisional Office. An allowance of £9,090 per annum (as at current 1 August 2024 rates) is offered in recognition of the additional responsibilities an Associate Head takes on during their term in office. The Associate Head’s Department will also receive funding from the Division to cover partial relief from their department or college duties equivalent to 20% of their time.