Director of the Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute (AHCLH1013)

Opportunity open to existing Grade 9 / Grade 10 academics within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures at the University of Leeds only.

The long-established Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute (LAHRI) plays a key role in developing, promoting and supporting outstanding interdisciplinary research within and beyond the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Its approach and schemes continue to develop in line with the University’s strategy and priorities, and in response to, and anticipation of, changing external contexts. 

As LAHRI Director, you will work closely with Research and Innovation Services (RIS), the Faculty Research and Innovation Office (FRIO) and University institutes to support the development of excellent, impact-oriented research that draws on and showcases the wide range of Arts and Humanities disciplines represented within and beyond the Faculty. An important part of the role will be to support the development of ambitious, high-quality external funding applications, assessing and improving the effectiveness of LAHRI's training and research-development support in strengthening applications and contributing to funding success.

You will be a member of the Faculty Research and Innovation Committee and other relevant bodies, such as the Cultural Institute Steering Group. You will report to the Associate Pro Vice Chancellor (APVC) for Research and Innovation (FAHC) and work closely with them to deliver the Faculty’s research and innovation priorities. You will also report regularly to the Faculty Executive Committee. 

You will play a vital role in building capability for interdisciplinary research. Supported by the Arts and Humanities Research and Innovation Development Manager, you will strengthen academic networks and build vibrant research communities across schools and faculties, generating ambitious new research ideas and agendas. You will work where appropriate with the Horizons Institute, Leeds Institute for Societal Futures and the Digital Creativity and Cultures Hub and connect with arts and humanities researchers beyond Leeds. You will play an active role in translating these ideas and collaborations into ambitious, competitive external funding applications, particularly larger-scale and interdisciplinary bids. You will also help to showcase high-quality interdisciplinary research projects, outputs and impacts, celebrating success both within the University and externally.

A further priority will be to develop research relationships and networks with international partners, particularly the key strategic partners identified by the APVC International.

To explore the post further, or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Beth Johnson
Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures 
Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 08 Nov 2026

Section: Academic

Salary: Allowance of £4,775 a year (non-recurrent, non-pensionable)