Director – Civic Lab - 1 FTE
Research & Innovation
Glasgow Campus, G3 6RF
Grade 10 -£73,570 -£79,924
Permanent
35 hours per week
The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) is a world leading, independent, university-level institution for the visual creative disciplines. We attract some of the finest academic and creative talent and are committed to creating and sustaining learning and working environments, where difference is respected and the widest possible range of cultural and social perspectives are valued.
Applications are invited for the Director of Civic Lab, within Research & Innovation, based at GSA’s Glasgow campus.
This is a significant opportunity to shape the future direction of civic research, innovation and knowledge exchange at GSA, establishing Civic Lab as a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence. With a focus on civic and place-based contexts, you will lead work that explores and develops civic economies and creative ecosystems, influencing policy and practice and delivering meaningful social, cultural, environmental and economic impact.
Working under the strategic direction of the Deputy Director and Vice Principal (Research & Innovation), you will provide the academic vision and strategic leadership for an ambitious and distinctive portfolio of work. You will build influential national and international partnerships, secure significant external investment and strengthen GSA’s profile and influence across civic research, policy and innovation.
Working collaboratively across GSA and with external partners, including GSA Rural Lab in the Highlands & Islands, you will develop new areas of research and inquiry, support interdisciplinary activity and help build a thriving postgraduate research community.
We are looking for an experienced and collaborative academic leader with a Professorial-level profile, a PhD in a relevant discipline, and an internationally recognised track record in research and/or creative practice. You will bring significant experience of leading major partnerships, research centres, labs or strategic initiatives, alongside a strong record of securing major national and international funding and delivering large-scale collaborative research programmes.
You will combine strategic vision with an inclusive and collegiate approach to leadership, with the ability to build effective partnerships, influence civic policy and practice, translate research into meaningful impact, and represent GSA nationally and internationally.
Closing date for submission of completed applications: 18th September 2026
Interviews for this post are expected to take place online in October 2026. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
For full details and to apply online, please visit: https://glasali.webitrent.com/glasali_webrecruitment
If you don’t currently have the right to work and live in the UK, we are able to offer sponsorship for Skilled Work Visas subject to UK Visa’s and Immigration (UKVI) requirements if the role meets the Home Office eligibility requirements. Details can be found on the Home Office website - https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
The Glasgow School of Art is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in work and study. We strive to create and maintain an inclusive environment where all students and employees feel safe, understood and valued. Applications are welcomed from candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, ethnic or religious background, gender identity or sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, maternity, caring responsibilities or care experience.
We recognise we do not have the diversity of staff that we want and we particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates who identify as being from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at The Glasgow School of Art.
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