Dean of Research and Innovation

Permanent
Full time
35 hours per week
Salary available on enquiry

The University of the Highlands and Islands is recruiting a Dean of Research and Innovation to lead its research and innovation strategy across the partnership.
This role suits an experienced senior academic leader ready to shape research excellence, impact, and national profile within a distinctive, community rooted university.

• Providing strategic leadership for research and innovation across UHI.
• Shaping and delivering institutional research strategy and performance.
• Leading activity in relation to the Research Excellence Framework.
• Strengthening research quality, coherence, and impact.
• Working collaboratively with Academic Partner Principals, Deans, Research Cluster Leads, and professional services.
• Enhancing UHI’s national and international research profile.
• Supporting a geographically distributed research community operating within a partnership model.

Full time permanent role.
35 hours per week.
Based in Inverness or another UHI location by agreement.

• An outstanding senior academic leader with experience of research strategy and delivery.
• Strong understanding of research excellence and impact frameworks.
• Ability to lead across a partnership structure and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Experience strengthening institutional research performance and profile.
• Commitment to collaborative leadership within a community focused university.

• 42 days annual leave pro rata.
• Attractive pension scheme with additional contribution options.
• Flexible and family friendly working policies.
• Occupational sick pay and employee assistance programme.
• Retail and leisure discounts including Highlife Highland membership discount.
• Cycle to Work scheme and contribution towards DSE prescription glasses.
• Access to Linked In Learning for professional development.
• Free parking and EV charging where available.

Apply through the employer’s recruitment portal

Closing date: 24 February 2026

Interviews: 20 March and 31 March 2026

Your application goes directly to the employer. No agencies. No nonsense.