Head of Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES) is a world-leading research institute and the thriving home of research, innovation and impact activities within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. The Head of RISES provides overall strategic leadership and line management to academic staff within the Research Institute and the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences with respect to promoting and extending a culture of high quality and world-leading research related activities.

The person appointed will provide the strategic academic leadership and operational management required for promoting high quality research and the continuous enhancement of the world-leading research environment of the Institute (100% 4* Research Environment in REF2021). The role includes an important strategic planning and implementation element in line with the Institute’s Research and Impact Plans and relevant Faculty and University Strategy. The person appointed will also be expected to promote the University’s values and the development of an inclusive, supportive, and vibrant research and innovation environment focused on impact.

To apply, you will have an established international research profile in an area aligned to sport, physical activity, exercise and health, with a substantial record of high-quality publications and evidence of undertaking other activities that indicate esteem. Importantly, you will have a successful track record of academic leadership and management, including experience of leading research teams and projects, and a commitment to supporting the development of colleagues to further their research profile and impact.  As someone with a breadth of understanding of the disciplines across sport and exercise science, you will bring a strategic approach to the role and create a sense of direction that will continue to enhance the quality and impact of research within the Institute, building on the success of the REF2021 submission. As a key member of the School’s senior leadership team, you will be collegiate in nature, inspirational to others, and able to deliver an innovative and inspiring educational experience across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support and family-friendly policies.

The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences and the Research Institute are proud of their commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respect, and endeavours to cultivate a staff base that is representative of society. We acknowledge that we lack representation from various underrepresented groups and therefore encourage applications from all individuals who meet the advert criteria, but particularly encourage applications from women and non-binary people, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. We also welcome flexible working enquiries.

This is an exciting time to join LJMU with the launch of our new strategic plan to 2030. If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.  For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Emma Wilkins at: emma@dixonwalter.co.uk