Full job descriptionDirector of Strategic Research FundingFHASS - Faculty EducationJob Details*Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
*Salary: £-1 Part Time, Fixed Term
*Closing Date: Monday 16 November 2026
*Interview Date: To be confirmed
*Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University
The Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (FHASS) is seeking to appoint a Director of Strategic Research Funding. This senior leadership role is open to internal applicants only who must be existing members of academic staff within the Faculty. The role is normally occupied by colleagues at Senior Lecturer/Grade 9 level or above. It is a requirement of this post that applicants have a contract of employment at the University which extends for at least 4 years upon appointment to the role of Director.
Term of officeThe successful candidate will be expected to begin in role as soon as possible and the role will continue until 31^st July 2029. The post amounts to a 0.4 FTE appointment; this will be fully reflected in workload allocation models. The school from which the appointee comes will be appropriately supported to cover any effects on the delivery of its teaching programmes.
On completion of their term of office the Director will revert automatically to their substantive position, unless the appointment is renewed. The University reserves the right, in exceptional circumstances, to end the term of office earlier than the scheduled expiry date, following a performance review by the Faculty PVC, at which point they would revert to their substantive position.
The roleThis is an opportunity to become a member of the Faculty Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the PVC Arts, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences and the Associate Dean for Research. The role of Director provides academic leadership for the Faculty, to develop strategies around the funding of our research, shape our approach to this aspect of the important portfolio of Research and inspire and engage Faculty colleagues in the delivery of these. The role is also an opportunity to gain valuable insight and experience in working with relevant central University colleagues and divisions. The appointee will represent the Faculty within and beyond the University.
The Director of Strategic Research Funding will provide leadership to the Faculty in relation to specific aspects of the Research portfolio. In particular, the Director will increase the appetite for external research funding, stimulate and support interdisciplinary faculty teams to respond to funding calls, and anticipate funding opportunities for our colleagues, such as calls from Horizon Europe. The Director will also provide support for REF preparations. This a significant career opportunity to be a key member of the Faculty’s leadership team.
Reward and recognitionSalary supplementIn recognition for taking on the role, the Director will receive a non-superannuable responsibility allowance of £2,000 per annum or opt for part of this to be paid into their research account.
Application ProcessTo apply, please complete the on-line application process by submitting your application via the Stonefish system by 29^th October 2026 in the following format:
*A covering letter (2 x A4 max of text) to include an expression of interest, noting why you wish to apply, your intended vision for and approach to the role, how you would intend to approach the areas listed under Essential and Desirable skills, and noting any relevant experience giving examples relating to the areas of responsibility listed in the job description.
*Your up-to-date CV.
Please note that references are not required.
Interviews of shortlisted candidates are expected to take place in person on Wednesday 18^th November 2026.
We are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the Faculty, and supporting family-friendly, flexible and agile working policies. We encourage applications from all diversity groups.