Ref Number
B09-01409
Professional Expertise
Academic Leadership
Department
Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Part time
Salary
£80,000+
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
Yes
Closing Date
17-Sept-2026
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 0.6FTE from 1 January 2027.
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
We'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 discipline
- A 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 oversight
- A 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 sectors
- A 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 [email protected]
Please note that we intend to hold interviews week commencing 19th October.
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.
- 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
- Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy
