Director ESRC UBEL; UCL, Bloomsbury and East Doctoral Training Partnership; DTP

Position: Director of the ESRC UBEL (UCL, Bloomsbury and East Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
About us Shape the future of social science research training.

For this internal opportunity, we’re seeking an outstanding academic leader to become Director of the ESRC-funded UBEL Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), one of the UK's largest and most influential social science doctoral training investments.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving partnership spanning UCL, Birkbeck, LSHTM, SOAS, the University of Greenwich and the University of East London, bringing together almost 60 departments across 30 ESRC disciplinary pathways. At the heart of the UK's social science ecosystem, UBEL supports more than 35 doctoral studentships annually, alongside postdoctoral fellowships, advanced training provision and extensive collaboration with policy, industry and research partners.

Few roles offer the chance to influence doctoral training at this scale. You'll join a vibrant community of researchers, educators and professional services colleagues, working across London's world-leading universities while helping shape national conversations around doctoral education, research culture and talent development.

Please note this post is available on a 0.6

FTE from 1 January 2027.About the role

This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving partnership spanning UCL, Birkbeck, LSHTM, SOAS, the University of Greenwich and the University of East London, bringing together almost 60 departments across 30 ESRC disciplinary pathways. At the heart of the UK's social science ecosystem, UBEL supports more than 35 doctoral studentships annually, alongside postdoctoral fellowships, advanced training provision and extensive collaboration with policy, industry and research partners.

As Director, you will provide strategic and academic leadership for a major ESRC investment, influencing how the next generation of social scientists are trained, supported and equipped to deliver research with real-world impact.

Working closely with the UCL Doctoral School, ESRC colleagues, senior leaders across partner institutions and a highly experienced operational team, you will:

Set the strategic direction of the partnership and lead its continued growth and success

Champion excellence in doctoral and postdoctoral training

Shape innovative approaches to interdisciplinary research development

Build relationships with funders, policymakers, industry and research partners

Oversee studentship funding, recruitment and organisational performance

Lead preparations for the next ESRC DTP commissioning round in 2027

Represent UBEL nationally and contribute to the wider UK doctoral training landscape

About youWe're looking for a senior social science academic with the vision, credibility and collaborative leadership skills to drive an ambitious partnership forward.

You will bring:

A doctorate (or equivalent) in an ESRC-eligible social science disciplineA strong track record of academic leadership and strategic delivery

Experience leading complex research, training or academic programmes

Significant experience of doctoral education and research degree oversightA commitment to researcher development, capacity building and interdisciplinarity

Experience managing substantial budgets and funding programmes

The ability to build productive relationships across institutions, disciplines and sectorsA passion for enhancing the experience and outcomes of doctoral researchers and early career academics

For informal enquiries, please contact Geraint Thomas, Pro-Vice-Provost (Doctoral School and Early Career Research Staff) on g.thomas.uk Please note that we intend to hold interviews week commencing 19th October.

What we offer

The responsibilities of the Director of the ESRC UBEL DTP are fully commensurate with elements of the Grade 10 Research and Grade 10 Institutional Citizenship sections of UCL’s academic careers framework. Staff at other grades will be considered if they can demonstrate that they have the necessary experience, reputation and leadership qualities. Please note that the direct salary costs of the appointed process will be met as part of the DTP budget, up to Grade 10 salary scale.

Standard UCL Benefits:41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank…