Director

The N8 Research Partnership brings together eight of the most research-intensive universities in the North of England (Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York). Together, the partnership connects world-class research to the needs of business, policy and society, driving innovation and prosperity across the region and beyond. As the N8 enters an exciting new phase of development, following a period of strategic review, it is seeking an outstanding individual to become its next Director.The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the partnership, working closely with the Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors for Research from the eight member universities. They will set a clear direction for the N8's future, developing collaborative research programmes that attract investment, strengthen partnerships and deliver tangible regional and national benefit. Alongside this, the Director will play a key external role, advocating for the value of northern research and innovation, influencing policy and funding agendas and representing the collective voice of the N8. The postholder will lead a small, high-performing central team based in Manchester and ensure that the partnership operates efficiently, transparently and with maximum impact.We are seeking a senior leader with significant experience in research, innovation, or policy who can operate confidently across institutions