Interim Associate Dean Research and Knowledge Exchange

Interim Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS)

Competitive Salary | Wolverhampton, UK 

The University of Wolverhampton is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences as Interim Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE). This is a strategic leadership role that will support the faculty in delivering the University’s 2035 Strategy and advancing our commitment to inclusive student success and world-class research. The purpose of the role is to shape and deliver our research and knowledge exchange ambitions, driving impact, success, and growth across our large and diverse multidisciplinary faculty.

This role ensures that the faculty contributes to the university’s reputation for research excellence, knowledge transfer, and societal impact. It bridges academic scholarship with real-world application, helping universities meet national priorities for innovation and regional economic development. As Associate Dean you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Faculty’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy.
• Champion research excellence and innovation, building on our performance in REF and KEF.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative research culture that reflects our commitment to equality, diversity, and engagement.
• Collaborate closely with senior leaders, Heads of School, and Research Centres to enhance research quality, external funding, and enterprise activity.
• Chair or represent the faculty on key University committees and external networks, influencing policy and practice regionally and internationally.

We are looking for a visionary leader with a proven record of research leadership and external engagement, experience in managing research strategy and supporting academic teams, and the creativity and ambition to position FABSS as a leader in research and knowledge exchange. You will also demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills to build strong strategic partnerships internally and externally.

This interim opportunity will run for up to six months, with a start date to be confirmed in consultation with the successful candidate. We will be advertising the permanent role in a few weeks.

The University of Wolverhampton’s vision is to create opportunity, transform lives and deliver a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society. We have a proud history of widening access and delivering excellence in teaching, research, and business engagement. Our research makes a transformative impact through collaboration, public engagement, and multi-disciplinary projects addressing global challenges. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on research and knowledge exchange at a university that values innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.

If you would like to discuss the role informally before applying, please contact the Dean of Faculty, Professor Clare Schofield clare.schofield@wlv.ac.uk.

University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Statement

Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom

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We are committed to ensuring that lawful expression of ideas, beliefs and opinions — including those that may be controversial or unpopular — does not result in disadvantage in recruitment, employment or progression.

An offer of employment at the University of Wolverhampton will never be denied based on an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Wolverhampton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to:

• preventing unlawful discrimination and harassment.
• promoting equality of opportunity.
• fostering an inclusive environment where colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.

We strive to create a workplace in which colleagues have the confidence and freedom to be themselves, while working professionally and in accordance with equality legislation and University policies.

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

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We want to understand what you personally bring to the role. Please ensure your application accurately represents your own voice and capabilities.

Flexible Working

We recognise the value of flexible working arrangements and are open to discussion wherever possible.