UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. Based in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, our distinctive partnership of 12 independent colleges and research institutions is locally based and rooted in communities, but with national and international reach, as part of a regional university structure.
To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:
Dean of Research and Innovation
| Salary range | Competitive |
|---|---|
| Duration | Permanent |
| Working hours | 35hrs per week |
| Location | Inverness or other location within the UHI operating area by agreement |
| Closing Date | Sunday 24th August 2025 |
Department name: Research and innovation
Lead the Future of Research at UHI
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is looking for an exceptional Dean of Research to provide strategic leadership, drive innovation, and strengthen our research impact locally, nationally, and globally.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of UHI’s academic mission. The successful candidate will work across our partnership, fostering a dynamic and inclusive research strategy that supports excellence, collaboration, and growth.
In the 2025 National Student Survey, UHI was ranked 4th in Scotland for overall student satisfaction—a reflection of our strong academic environment and commitment to quality. We are proud of our achievements and are now looking for a visionary leader to help us achieve even greater success in research.
As Dean of Research, you will:
- Shape and deliver UHI’s research strategy
- Champion interdisciplinary and international research collaborations
- Lead the delivery of research excellence across the partnership
- Promote innovation and secure sustainable growth in research activity
This role is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious leader who shares our commitment to making a meaningful difference through research.
Help us shape the next chapter of UHI’s research journey.
A detailed job description and person specification for the post are attached.
Applicants with informal questions are encouraged to contact Professor Brian Williams, Deputy Principal Academic and Research, by email to brian.williams@uhi.ac.uk
Pay and Benefits
This role is renumerated as a spot salary - £Competitive
This post is full and will involve working 35 hours per week on a working pattern as agreed with your line manager.
This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme check.
The workplace pension scheme we provide to workers at grade six and above is the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). This is a qualifying pension scheme, which means it meets or exceeds the government’s standards. Full information on the scheme can be found at http://www.uss.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Full-time posts carry a total of 39 days leave per annum (pro rata for part-time posts). It is practice that, with the exception of a Christmas and New Year closure, leave may be taken at any time of year, subject to the requirements of the post and department and with the permission of your line manager.
Recruitment Process
When completing the application form please ensure that you clearly evidence how you meet the selection criteria identified on the relevant person specification.
The deadline for submitting your application is Sunday 24th August at 11.59pm.
Shortlisting to be confirmed
Interviews to be confirmed
If you have any queries regarding our recruitment and selection process, or if you would like to request any reasonable adjustments to either the recruitment process or the prospective job, please contact the HR team as soon as possible.
Interviews will be held To be confirmed.
- Job description
- Person specification
- Further information
- Terms and conditions
- Guidance notes for candidates
- Summary of terms and conditions of employment
If you have any queries about the application process please contact the HR Office at HR@uhi.ac.uk.