Department
Faculty Office
Location
Hybrid with Ormskirk base
Salary
£70,049
Post Type
Full Time
Closing Date
Friday 11 September 2026
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
EHM0322-0826
This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced academic leader to shape the strategic direction of research and knowledge exchange from the outset. Working closely with the Deputy Dean and Head of School, you will lead an ambitious portfolio that enhances impact, reputation and sustainability. The role combines strategic vision with operational leadership and carries clear accountability for performance, income generation and research impact within a dynamic, outward-facing and socially engaged School.
About the Role
As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will lead the School’s research and knowledge exchange strategy, delivering against agreed objectives, income targets and performance measures. You will strengthen the School’s contribution to REF and KEF, grow research and knowledge exchange income, and build impactful regional, national and international partnerships.
You will promote innovative, inclusive and interdisciplinary research, including responsible use of digital and AI‑enabled approaches, while fostering a high‑performing research culture that supports staff development and integrates research with teaching and the student experience.
For informal enquiries, please contact: Professor Christopher Greenough, Head of School, School of Education at
[email protected] and Professor Andy Smith, Deputy Dean, (Faculty of Education) at
[email protected]
About You
You will be an established academic with a strong track record in research and/or knowledge exchange, including success in securing funding, producing high‑quality outputs and delivering demonstrable impact. You will bring experience of academic leadership, with the credibility and confidence to influence, inspire and deliver improvement through others.
You will have a clear and current understanding of the UK research and knowledge exchange landscape, including REF and KEF, and the ability to translate strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. A commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration and academic excellence is essential. Experience of building partnerships, leading interdisciplinary initiatives and engaging with digital innovation and AI in an academic context will be particularly valuable.
At Edge Hill University, we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.
Why This Role Matters
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a distinctive and impactful research and knowledge exchange portfolio within a School committed to addressing inequality and improving outcomes across education and communities.
As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will be instrumental in positioning the School and the wider Faculty as a leader in applied, socially relevant research and knowledge exchange that delivers income, reputation and real‑world impact.
Rewards & Benefits
38 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (Plus bank holidays and University closure days)
Discounted membership to on‑site sport and leisure facilities
Staff benefits scheme with discounts across retail, leisure and dining
Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential counselling, legal and financial advice and wellbeing resources
Access to a wide range of development programmes
Award‑winning on‑campus working environment
Automatic enrolment into the Teacher's Pension Scheme
About Us
At Edge Hill University we believe in the life‑changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we have been creating access to education for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity.
Today, the impact of our work extends well beyond our campus, benefiting those who study, work, invest in and live within our communities. Education at Edge Hill is not about how much you take in, but about what you take out into the world.
Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “a great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” — Times Higher Education.
