Deputy Director, Societies and Cultures Institute

The above full-time post is available immediately on a permanent basis in the Societies and Cultures Institute (SCI).

Led by world-class researchers in the arts, humanities and social sciences, the SCI tackles issues of immediate global concern through challenge-based interdisciplinary research. SCI collaborates with non-academic partners and across HASS and STEMM communities to lead innovative, multi-faceted programmes of research, education and knowledge exchange.  SCI is the new name for the University of Exeter’s International Institute for Cultural Enquiry, and the principal Humanities and Social Science Research Institute at the University, forming a critical element of the University’s research strategy. The Institute promotes interdisciplinary research, working particularly with researchers to develop long-term, large scale, externally engaged research addressing issues of research priority from a humanities and social sciences base.

The role

This role aligns with the University’s exciting new Strategy 2030 , and in particular to our vision of building a strong interdisciplinary culture to lead progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.

We are seeking to appoint a new Senior Lecturer to act as Deputy Director of the Societies and Cultures Institute (SCI). The Deputy Director will have specific responsibility for developing Masters level programmes and modules in the areas of the Institute’s focus. These include programme(s) in the area of social justice (including tackling inequality at local, regional, national and global levels).  

The post will include (1) developing the Masters level teaching programmes of the Institute, particularly in the area of social justice.  Other areas of potential research focus that might be developed into taught programmes include Environmental HASS and Digital HASS research and strategies, (2) working with the Director to enhance the SCI research and activity profile and (3) working with external partners, and with colleagues in STEMM to encourage outward facing, interdisciplinary research.

You will also have a disciplinary affiliation in Humanities and Social Sciences, and will contribute to the teaching and research in the relevant departmental unit.

It is envisioned that the post holder will spend 50% of their time developing the research and teaching programmes of the SCI. The remainder of their time will be teaching and research related to SCI themes and, where appropriate, within their affiliated HASS department.

This role may offer the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

About you

You will have:

• A PhD or equivalent in a humanities and/or social science discipline and have an independent, internationally-recognised research programme in a relevant active field of research. There is a strong preference for someone with research expertise in the area of social justice
• A strong record in attracting funding for research, or demonstrate potential to attract such funding
• An active approach to inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research
• Enthusiasm for delivering high quality teaching programmes, particularly in the area of study of social justice
• Strong connections and funded projects with business and community partners
• Involvement in projects which develop impact
• A strong potential for research leadership
• A track record in refereed publications and success in significant grant capture
• Relationships with external organisations and funders/ and knowledge and experience of key sectors or business challenges

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

For an informal and confidential discussion about the post, please contact Prof Robert Gleave 01392-264025 or [email protected] .