Head of Graduate School

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.

Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate and Graduate School

The Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate and Graduate School co-ordinate and support research-related activity across the University, focusing on academic staff and on postgraduate research students (PgRs) respectively. Members of the team work across the two key areas, supporting early career and established researchers, PgRs, managing the researcher development programme, research governance and reporting, research funding approvals and internal support, related policy, and the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Graduate School

• Supports the recruitment, progress, supervision and completion of postgraduate research students
• All research degree students and supervisors are members of the Graduate School
• Runs the Research Skills Development Programme
• Runs the Annual Doctoral Summer School (including Research Student Conference)
• Others guidance through; Postgraduate Research Code of Practice; Graduate School Handbook; Good practice guides for research degrees

About the Role

Reporting to the PVC Research and Knowledge Exchange, the post holder will take responsibility for the Graduate School and provide strategic and academic leadership for postgraduate research education, fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment, enhancing researcher development and engagement, and enabling the sustainable growth of a thriving postgraduate research community.

We are seeking innovative, creative, high quality researchers, and scholars to foster a culture of exploration, discovery and intellectual challenge that generates international recognition, respect and engagement.

This role is fixed term until September 2029, as a 3-year internal secondment with potential for renewal.

We offer a comprehensive set of staff benefits which includes a competitive salary, 35 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata), excellent pension scheme with 8% employer contribution, hybrid working in line with business need and corporate discounts to name a few.

Further Details

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.

Job Details

• Department: Graduate School
• Location: Lancaster or Carlisle
• Starting Salary: £58,225 with incremental progression to £67,468
• Post Type: Part Time
• Hours per Week: 15
• Contract Type: Fixed Term - 36 Months
• Release Date: Thursday 30 July 2026
• Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 13 August 2026
• Interview Date: Thursday 20 August 2026
• Reference: XX160826