Director of the Photon Science Institute
Shape our research vision. Strengthen collaboration. Lead world-class photon science.
The University of Manchester is seeking an outstanding academic leader to become Director of the Photon Science Institute.
Our Manchester 2035 strategy, From Manchester for the World, sets a bold direction for the University. This is an opportunity to lead a distinctive interdisciplinary research community, build on its international reputation and ensure that our facilities, expertise and partnerships continue to enable outstanding science with real-world impact.
The opportunity
As Director, you will provide strategic academic leadership for the Photon Science Institute, shaping its future direction and leading the development and delivery of its strategy. Working closely with colleagues across the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the wider University, you will bring together researchers, professional services and technical teams around a shared vision for the Institute.
You will lead the evolution of the PSI to achieve greater research success, including the quality and impact of its outputs, research income, industrial collaboration and international reputation. You will support the development of ambitious multidisciplinary funding proposals and strengthen partnerships with UKRI, the EU, government, industry and other external organisations.
The PSI brings together world-leading facilities and expertise across quantum devices, advanced characterisation and the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling researchers to investigate everything from ultrafast processes to nanoscale material interactions. Its mission is delivered through three core themes: Quantum Technology, Net Zero and Sustainability, and Healthcare.
A central priority will be ensuring that the Institute’s facilities, resources and expertise are used effectively and sustainably. You will help shape investment and research priorities, support financially responsible access to facilities for internal and external users and ensure that the PSI operates safely and in line with University policies and regulatory requirements.
Alongside this, you will build an inclusive and engaged community in which colleagues and students can thrive. You will support researcher development at every career stage, strengthen succession planning and encourage collaboration across disciplinary and organisational boundaries.
About you
You will bring an outstanding academic track record in an area relevant to the PSI, together with substantial experience of leading research activity in a complex academic environment. You will have a strong portfolio of research funding and evidence of developing successful strategic partnerships, including collaboration with industry.
You will be an experienced and collegiate leader, able to engage and motivate academics, researchers, technical specialists and professional services colleagues. You will have led cross-disciplinary activity and know how to create the conditions in which ambitious research and innovation can succeed.
An effective communicator and relationship builder, you will be able to establish credibility, influence across organisational boundaries and navigate competing priorities. You will combine strategic thinking with a practical approach to delivery and be comfortable leading change in consultation with the communities affected by it.
You will also bring a strong understanding of higher education governance, academic structures and regulatory requirements, together with a clear commitment to inclusion, academic freedom, sustainability and social responsibility.
Why Manchester?
You will join a University with a globally recognised research profile, a strong commitment to interdisciplinary working and an ambition to tackle major societal challenges through research, innovation and partnership.
For an academic leader with vision, credibility and a commitment to collaborative research, this is an opportunity to shape the future of the Photon Science Institute, strengthen its national and international influence and support scientific discovery with impact within and beyond the University.
Find out more
Please see the link to the Candidate Brochure and job description, attached below, for further information about the role and selection criteria.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact talent.attraction@manchester.ac.uk so that we can discuss how best to support you.
For technical support please call 0161 850 2004 or visit https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
