Academic Lead for Research Partnerships (Special, Scientific and Cultural Collections)

27 May 2026

Applications are invited from senior academic colleagues within the University of Manchester for the role of Academic Lead for Research Partnerships (Special, Scientific and Cultural Collections), to commence on Tuesday 1st September, or as soon as possible thereafter

This is a role for a new senior academic research and innovation lead. The successful candidate will focus on developing the academic work and grant capture on research collections across the University of Manchester Library (UML) and the wider Cultural Institution collections’ research activities. They will partner and engage with a community of academic researchers, curators, conservators and imaging specialists, and further network excellent existing practice. The role focusses on supporting the upcoming 'Activating Collections' research challenge which is a crucial component of the M2035 strategy.

Term and Workload:

The post will be held for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement. The role carries a 0.4 FTE (40%) workload adjustment. The postholder will retain their substantive academic appointment and return to that role on completion of their Academic Lead term. 

The post holder will be a member of the Advisory Group for Special, Scientific and Cultural Collections AGSSCC and will engage regularly with Faculty leadership to ensure strategic alignment. They will report to the Director of Creative Manchester and Chair of Creative Manchester Board (Vice‑Dean for Research (Humanities)). They will also report through AGSSCC and CIGC to the VP and AVP Research, and to the AVP Cultural Portfolio.

About the Candidate:

Applicants will be a credible and experienced senior academic colleague with a commitment to UML vision for Special, Scientific and Cultural Collections and the capacity to build a team to deliver it and the broader research culture around collections across our Cultural Institutions. 

Applicants should have: 

·        An extensive and consistent record of world‑leading research.

·        Success in securing external research funding.

·        A strong understanding of the University’s Special Collections and commitment to advancing research engagement with these collections.

·        An ability to foster collaboration across academic, Library and other Cultural Institution staff.

·        Proven team‑building, management and leadership skills across staff and doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

·        A strong understanding of the dynamics of the funding landscape.

·        An ability to form, develop and sustain effective internal and external partnerships.

Experience of working in the cultural/heritage sector and success in fundraising would be desirable. 

Further Information:

A full Job Description and Person Specification can be found here.

How to Apply:

Applications (CV and brief supporting statement) should be submitted electronically to Kim Hunter kim.hunter@manchester.ac.uk  

Closing date: 5pm, 12 June 2026

Interview date: 29 June 2026

Informal enquiries: John McAuliffe, Associate Vice-President (Cultural Portfolio) john.mcauliffe@manchester.ac.uk