Vice-President (Research & Innovation) - City, University of London

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the role of Vice-President (Research & Innovation) at City St George’s, University of London.

This is an important moment in the development of our University. City St George’s brings together a distinctive combination of academic strengths, professional focus and civic purpose. At the heart of our research strategy is a clear commitment to world-leading research that transforms understanding and brings tangible benefits to society, communities and individuals.

The Vice-President (Research & Innovation) will play a central role in realising that ambition. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, reporting to me as Deputy President & Provost, the postholder will provide strategic leadership across the full breadth of our research and innovation activity. They will work closely with Executive Deans, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Associate Deans for Research & Innovation, the Doctoral College, Research and Innovation Services and colleagues across the University to strengthen performance, culture, collaboration and impact.

We are looking for an outstanding academic leader with an international reputation, the credibility to influence across disciplines and the ambition to help us increase the scale, quality and reach of our research and innovation. The successful candidate will lead our preparations for REF 2029, support growth in research income, commercial research, consultancy, spin-outs and knowledge exchange and help foster a vibrant, inclusive and high-performing research environment for colleagues and postgraduate research students.

The role will require a leader whose personal style is as important as their academic and strategic credentials. We are looking for someone who listens carefully, builds trust and works collaboratively across disciplinary and organisational boundaries. The successful candidate will be able to socialise ideas, bring colleagues with them and create momentum through influence, credibility and shared purpose. They will understand how to lead change in a complex academic environment, balancing ambition with sensitivity to culture, context and people.

This is a role for someone who can combine strategic vision with practical delivery. We are seeking a leader who can build strong relationships, offer constructive challenge, represent City St George’s externally and work collaboratively across the University to help shape the next phase of our research and innovation mission.

I hope this microsite gives you a helpful introduction to the opportunity, our University and the contribution this role will make. Thank you again for your interest and I look forward to receiving your application.

Professor Elisabeth Hill
Deputy President & Provost

About us

City St George’s, University of London is a leading international higher education institution committed to academic excellence, and focused on business, practice and the professions. Following the merger of City and St George’s – both component parts of the University of London – in 2024, the combined institution now has over 27000 students and is one of the higher education destinations for London students, with excellent research spanning health, business, science and technology, creative industries, law and policy.

Our Values

You will be expected to operate in line with City St George’s workplace values:

We care
We care for each other and for the world around us. We are inclusive, collegial and value diversity.
We learn
We (re)think. We are curious, rational thinkers who make decisions based on the best available information. We are openminded and inquisitive. That means that we are never too wedded to our assumptions. If we uncover new insights indicating that we should change our mind, we do.
We act
We shape the world through our actions. We always act with integrity. When we can change something for the better, offer help, or make a difference, we choose to do so. Change is possible if we have the courage to make it happen.

Our Schools and Directorates

Bayes Business School
Bayes Business School is a leading global business school, part of City St George’s, University of London. We are known for our world-class business education, excellent research reputation, and our close connections with business. Our faculty members are experts in their fields, producing cutting-edge research with real-world impact. Find out more.

School of Communication & Creativity

The School of Communication & Creativity was established in 2022 and encompasses our Journalism, Media, Culture and Creative Industries and Performing Arts Departments. The School is a socially engaged and politically conscious centre of educational excellence and world-changing interdisciplinary research, which shapes and influences professional practice. Find out more.

School of Health & Medical Sciences

The School of Health & Medical Sciences is a leading provider of education in the fields of healthcare, medicine and psychology, offering a wide breadth of courses. The School combines the previous St George’s Hospital Medical School and City’s School of Health & Psychological Sciences and is now one of the largest suppliers of the health workforce in the capital. Find out more.

School of Policy & Global Affairs

The School of Policy & Global Affairs was established in 2022 and encompasses our Economics, International Politics, Sociology and Criminology Departments. The School is a centre of world-class scholarship, education and public service, making a transformative impact on society. It is also home to the Finsbury Institute. Find out more.

School of Science & Technology

The School of Science & Technology is a diverse, inclusive and multidisciplinary centre housing our Departments of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics. The School provides a first class education experience with state-of-the-art research facilities, in a thriving and vibrant London location. Find out more.

The City Law School

Located in the heart of legal London, The City Law School was the first law school in London to educate students and practitioners at all stages of legal education. The School is unique in offering a broad range of courses while remaining committed to excellence in research and professional scholarship. Find out more.

Professional Services Directorates

The VP (Research and Innovation) is supported by two recently formed Directorates uniting Research and Innovation support across City St George’s:

Research and Innovation Services, supporting the development, delivery, and impact of research across City St George’s. The Directorate brings together specialist teams who provide end-to-end support from securing funding, to managing partnerships and commercialising outcomes
Research and Innovation (Strategy and Development) providing professional support across a number of key areas including researcher development, strategic research, research ethics and integrity and REF2029 preparation. The Directorate also includes City St George’s Doctoral College

The President’s Office

Deputy President and Provost; Deputy President (Operations)
Vice-Presidents for Education; Digital and Student Experience; Enterprise, Engagement and Employability; Research and Innovation; Development
Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Policy and Government Affairs

Our Strategy

Our top priority is our students’ experience. It is critical to City St George’s future success and requires our collective effort to achieve. We believe students should have the best possible experience while at City St George’s, make positive connections with fellow students and with our staff, and feel they are a valued member of our community.

We will focus attention on excellent teaching and well delivered, timely and appropriate assessment. We will eliminate broken business processes, improve student communication, increase our responsiveness and provide meaningful feedback. We will listen to our students, showing respect and kindness. We are aligning our Professional Services teams to meet these commitments and developing our senior level strategic capacity to ensure we can support the scale of our ambition.

We build successful and fulfilling careers and develop leaders for the world of work

Understanding, celebrating and empowering our students – the students who choose us, and whom we choose – and delivering enriching and personalised educational experiences.
Providing relevant skills, attributes and approaches that enable our graduates to succeed in their future careers and life pathways.
Creating a diverse and vibrant community of learning that reaches far beyond the University and is sustained through powerful networks.

We undertake research at the frontier of practice

Fostering important, impactful and engaged research.
Educating professionals for whom evidence-based thinking is integral to their practice.
Challenging practice and redefining the professions.

We are a flexible, high-performing learning organisation

Building a great place to work that is inclusive, supports well-being and is a fun place to be.
Creating an accountable, socially responsible, efficient and responsive organisation that can deliver this strategy.
Operating a robust and sustainable financial margin that ensures we have the space to achieve our mission.

We are open and outward-facing

Comfortable with partnership and happy with co-creation – the opposite of an ivory tower.
Ambitious, innovative and risk-taking – not afraid to be different.
Embedded in London, a world capital, and proud of our deep connections with the City of London.

The role

Vice-President (Research & Innovation) (AQ3598)

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Vice-President (Research & Innovation)

At the heart of City St George’s research strategy is the commitment to undertake world leading research that transforms understanding and brings benefits to society, communities and individuals.

The Vice-President (Research & Innovation) is responsible for strategic leadership of all activities relating to Research and Innovation across the University and with external partners and other organisations, including UKRI and other major research funders, to achieve this goal. the postholder reports to the the Deputy President & Provost. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team they work strategically and collaboratively to drive performance and achievement of the University’s overall strategy and vision, with particular responsibility for delivery of the ambitions in the Research and Innovation sub-strategy.

The role holder line manages the Assistant Vice-Principal (Doctoral College) and AVP for Research Culture and Environment. In addition they will work closely with Executive Deans, other Vice-Presidents, Associate Deans for Research & Innovation, the Deputy President (Operations), the Directors of Research and Innovation (Strategic Development) and Research and Innovation Services and staff across their two Directorates.

Through effective working relationships and strategic leadership, the post holder will ensure that all aspects of City St George’s research and innovation activity fulfil the ambitious agenda for research and innovation and thereby enabling deliver of the University’s performance indicators, reported to Council.

Main Purpose of Role

Provide strategic leadership for research, environment and knowledge exchange across the University to enhance City St George’s research culture with a particular emphasis on increasing the size and volume of research grants, increasing research and innovation contracts, spin-outs, consultancy income and other commercial activities, fostering increased levels of interdisciplinary activity and national and international collaborations.
Line manage the Assistant Vice-President for Research Culture & Environment and Assistant Vice-President (Doctoral College) and work closely with Associate Deans (Research) and the Directors of Research and Innovation Services and Research and Innovation (Strategic Development) to deliver the University’s research objectives. Work closely with all other three Vice-Presidents, particularly the Vice-President Enterprise, Engagement & Employability.
Develop and deliver a strategy of continuing performance improvement in the institution’s research and innovation mission. Chair the University Research & Innovation Committee and other Committees and sub-committees as required by the responsibilities of the role and as an SLT member.
Oversee the effective co-ordination of City St George’s strategic response to research policy initiatives from government, sector and funding bodies.
Lead on university level partnerships with other universities and relevant private and public sector bodies, including UKRI, where appropriate and with colleagues.
Lead the institutional work to strengthen the experience and completion rates of postgraduate research students, working with the AVP Doctoral College and relevant staff within Schools.
Lead on liaison with industry and business to promote and increase City St George’s commercial research, influence, and other research and development activities.
Lead on the strategy for preparations for the University submissions to REF 2029.
Actively represent and promote City St George’s research, innovation and knowledge exchange activities locally, regionally, nationally, and where appropriate internationally, including in mission groups and sector bodies as appropriate.
Actively drive research innovation including but not limited to consulting activities, spin-outs and interactions with industry & business.
Through strategic oversight of the Doctoral College, ensure the best possible research environment for postgraduate research students, thereby improving completion rates and increasing volume of activity across all Schools.

Key Relationships

Through the Research and Innovation Committee, and other meetings such as the ADR Forum, support and provide a strategic framework for the work of the Associate Deans (Research).
Support and direct the activities and responsibilities of the Assistant Vice-President (Doctoral College) and the Assistant Vice-President for Research Culture & Environment.
Close liaison and guidance to the Director of Research & Innovation (Strategic Development) and the Director of Research & Innovation Services.
Close working with the Deputy President (Operations), Chief Finance Officer and other Professional Services Directors.
Close working with Vice-Presidents, Executive Deans, and SLT.

General

To role model City St George’s values, including leadership contribution to equity, diversity and inclusion.
To show commitment to their own professional development.
To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

The responsibilities of the role may be reviewed from time-to-time by the President.

Additional information

City St George’s, University of London works to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in its activities, processes, and culture, for our whole University community, including staff, students and visitors.
The University meets its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and is dedicated to eliminating discrimination regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, sex, gender identity or reassignment, marital or partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, or socio-economic background. We recognise the importance of intersectionality and are committed to assessing all candidates fairly, ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit and potential, free from assumptions or systemic barriers. No one shall experience unfair treatment as a result of the lawful opinions that they hold or any protected characteristic.
City St George’s regards freedom of speech and academic freedom to be fundamental to delivering our mission as the University of business, practice and the professions. City St George’s has a code of practice which sets out these values and explains how it will have particular regard for its duty to uphold, secure, and promote freedom of speech within the law. The University is committed both to protecting freedom of speech and to promoting a truly inclusive community.
Selection and promotion criteria are kept under review to ensure that individuals are treated on the basis of the job requirements and on their relevant personal merits; and are not disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. As a Disability Confident Leader, City St George’s, University of London operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.
Information you share about your personal characteristics can help us provide suitable adjustments and support throughout the recruitment process, if needed. All information you share is confidential and will not be used in the selection process. Further information on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at City St George’s is available on our website.
The post holder must accept responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times.
The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) the Data Protection Act 2018.
The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the non-smoking environment of City St George’s, University of London.

Sustainable Development

City St George’s, University of London is committed to a policy of best practice to assist in building a sustainable way of life by taking a positive, solutions-orientated approach. All post holders are encouraged to contribute through their roles to improving the environment for City St George’s and the wider community.

Details of policy, information and staff development supporting the policy on the environment and sustainability can be found at www.city.ac.uk/green-policies.
Please note that all policies may be subject to revision consequent on the combination of City and St George’s policy portfolios.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

A well-recognised international reputation in their field and has the ability to develop networks in London nationally and internationally which can be leveraged for the benefit of City St George’s.
Ability to work effectively and, to influence and inspire, a broad range of colleagues internal to and external to the organisation.
Ability to deal sensitively with individuals; ability to manage conflict.
Demonstrable diplomacy skills.
Possess a natural authority which is recognised by others.
Track record of success in working with senior colleagues in national and regional organisations.

Leadership Qualities

Demonstrable track record of leading change and driving performance with respect to Research and Innovation.
Ability to collaborate and to build strong, effective relationships while offering constructive challenge and feedback in order to drive continuous improvement.
Ability to operate at a strategic level, whilst demonstrating a pragmatic approach to operational needs and priorities.
Advocate for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with a Research & Innovation lens in their role and in the wider University context, with demonstrable evidence of their personal influence in implementing positive EDI related change for students and/or staff.
Perspective and awareness with regard to key factors impacting Higher Education in the UK and internationally.
Analytical and intelligent appreciation of the changing external environment in the UK and internationally with regard to research and innovation.
Full understanding of relevant organisations and decision-making bodies pertinent to an institution such as City St George’s.

Qualifications

Postgraduate qualification.
Professional qualification/Professional body membership.
Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, and ideally working towards Senior or Principal Fellow status.

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Terms of appointment

Further Information about the role

Academic Leadership Roles on City St George’s SLT will be held on a fixed term basis of three years with a view to extending to five years in the first instance. The duration of the fixed term leadership appointment may be renewed, for a further period of up to three years, at the discretion of the President and of Council.
The role attracts a Responsibility Allowance of £40,403 per annum in addition to their salary, which will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
Academic staff on SLT (with the exception of the President) will hold a substantive, permanent academic role in one of City St George’s Schools. At the conclusion of their term as Deputy President/Vice President/Assistant Vice-President the individual would revert to their substantive academic role.

Equal Opportunities

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to City St George’s, University of London’s Equal Opportunities Statement.

The post holder must accept responsibility for ensuring that the policies and procedures relating to Health and Safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times.
The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) the Data Protection Act 2018.
The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the non-smoking environment of City St George’s, University of London.

Hybrid Working

It is expected that all members of SLT spend at least three days per week on campus, more when there are particular commitments which require their presence

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Statement

City St George’s, University of London works to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in its activities, processes, and culture, for our whole University community, including staff, students and visitors.

The University upholds its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to eliminate discrimination, regardless of age, disability, neurodiversity, sex, gender identity or reassignment, marital or partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, or socio-economic background. Our recruitment processes are designed to be inclusive and accessible accounting for the importance of intersectionality. We are committed to assessing all candidates fairly, ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit and potential, free from assumptions or systemic barriers. No one shall experience unfair treatment as a result of the lawful opinions that they hold or any protected characteristic.

City St George’s regards freedom of speech and academic freedom to be fundamental to delivering our mission as the University of business, practice and the professions. City St George’s has a code of practice on freedom of speech which sets out these values and explains how it will have particular regard for its duty to uphold, secure, and promote freedom of speech within the law. The University is committed both to protecting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), freedom of speech and to promoting a truly inclusive community.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Our recruitment practices are also guided by our action plans for the Athena Swan Charter and the Race Equality Charter, ensuring fairness and inclusion throughout the process. All information you share is confidential and will not be used in the selection process.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is Monday 15 June 2026.

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A cover letter outlining your motivations for the role and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in either your CV or covering letter, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Imogen Wilde at +44 (0)7511 607 522, imogen.wilde@andersonquigley.com or Ed Pritchard at +44 (0)7980 817 927, ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com

Appointment of the Vice-President (Research & Innovation)