Deputy Director

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

University of East London (UEL)  is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. As a careers-first university, we have been proudly preparing students for the jobs of the future for 125 years.

UEL has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy underscores our commitment to reshaping education for the benefit of all. We empower students from all backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in today’s dynamic world.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our achievements. We are proud to be recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. UEL ranks 1st in London for Student Experience (National Student Survey 2024), and 3rd in London for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025).

About Us

At the University of East London (UEL), our Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) has been at the forefront of cutting-edge sustainability research since its launch in 2001. We focus on developing innovative eco-efficient technologies and processes that drive positive environmental change and support a carbon-neutral society.

Over the years, the SRI has successfully delivered major research projects, secured consultancy contracts, and built a strong international reputation for applying ground-breaking research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our research is structured around three key themes:

• Blue/Green Infrastructure – Conserving and enhancing natural assets to improve sustainability and resilience.
• Sustainable Materials and Resources – Developing next-generation materials with lower carbon footprints.
• Sustainable Society – Empowering communities and businesses to engage in sustainability transitions.

This is an exciting time to join UEL as we continue to grow our impact in these critical areas.

About the Job

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Director to play a leadership role within the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) and drive forward our research strategy. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with the Director of SRI, shape sustainability research at UEL, and lead transformative projects with regional, national, and international impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and coordinating research activity across the university, integrating impactful sustainability research into UEL’s operations.
• Developing, securing, and delivering high-value research grants and funding opportunities.
• Driving research excellence and impact, supporting UEL’s submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
• Mentoring early-career and mid-career researchers and fostering a strong research culture.
• Representing the SRI on key internal and external committees, acting as an ambassador for UEL.
• Collaborating with external partners, industry, and government to develop real-world sustainability solutions.

This is a dynamic and strategic leadership role, offering the opportunity to contribute to the university’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) while shaping the future of sustainability research at UEL.

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and collaborative research leader with a strong track record in sustainability research and grant capture.

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven expertise in one or more of the SRI’s key research themes.
• Experience in securing and leading research projects and funding bids.
• Strong publication record in high-impact sustainability journals.
• Experience supervising PhD students and mentoring researchers.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work across disciplines and translate research into real-world impact.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Knowledge of TEF, KEF, and REF frameworks.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary and international projects.
• Strong links with industry, policymakers, and sustainability networks.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an internationally respected research institute, contributing to the advancement of sustainable solutions on a global scale.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and is proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion achievements, including a zero gender pay gap, membership in Stonewall, and winning Athena Swan awards. We expect all UEL employees to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.