Director Research and Knowledge Exchange/Director Centre for National Park and Protected Areas

Expected interview date: Thursday 19^th December 2024

We are the University of Cumbria, for and from Cumbria and our localities, rooted in serving our communities, with people, place and partnership at our heart.

Now is a very exciting time to be joining us because we are delivering a new "Towards 2030" strategic plan focused on making the most of our three most valuable assets; People, Place and Partnerships, to become a catalyst for economic well-being for our region, nationally and internationally. Our Towards 2030 Strategy sets out a clear vision to grow research income, outputs and enhance our research culture across the University. 

To support us in the implementation of our strategy, the Institute of Science and Environment is seeking an enthusiastic, world class researcher to fulfil the dual role of leading research and knowledge exchange in the Institute and providing leadership for the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA). 

The Institute of Science and Environment is one of four academic Institutes within the University. It is a busy and vibrant Institute which has strong links with a number of professional bodies and employers and a growing research profile. The Institute is split across two sites, Ambleside and Carlisle, to suit the academic portfolio and delivery needs of our programmes. The academic portfolio provides a range of undergraduate programmes including Forest Management, Woodland Ecology and Conservation, Outdoor Leadership, Geography, and a range of Conservation programmes at our Ambleside Campus and Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, Environmental Science and Zoology at our Carlisle Campus. Additionally, we have a developing postgraduate taught provision and a growing postgraduate research community.

CNPPA was established in 2017 with the purpose of enabling and promoting research and knowledge exchange relevant to national parks and protected areas, in ways that facilitate change by shaping policy, practice and perceptions. Although aligned to the Institute of Science and Environment, CNPPA is a multidisciplinary research centre bringing together affiliated academic staff from across the University. 

With a profiled commensurate to the University of Cumbria criteria for professorial appointment, you will be able to demonstrate a track record of securing large funding bids and delivering high quality RKE outputs along with a grounded understanding of the research and education landscape in a discipline aligned to the Institute’s current strengths and aligned to one or more of the themes central to the work of CNPPA. You will help foster a culture of exploration, discovery and intellectual challenge that generates international recognition, respect and engagement. You will establish and deliver ambitious RKE objectives that enhance the Institute's profile providing an environment within which we can grow and nurture RKE alongside our existing strength in learning and teaching. At the same time, you will ensure CNPPA fulfils its potential as a multidisciplinary research centre and makes a significant contribution to the University’s strategic ambition for Ambleside campus in line with our Towards 2030 Strategy.

Informal Enquiries: Dr Helen Manns, Dean, Institute of Science and Environment helen.manns@cumbria.ac.uk

For further information about Professorial Criteria, please refer to the guidance document (accessed via the ‘Apply’ button above).

We encourage applications from the broadest range of society, including all under-represented groups with particular emphasis on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in our University and in comparison, to the sector.

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