Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing
Leading impactful innovation in public health and wellbeing is a strategic priority for our University as well as our region. The establishment of an Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing (IPHW) will advance the University’s mission of excellence in education and research, for the benefit of individuals and communities. IPHW will be an international centre of excellence, bringing together research strengths across all three faculties, driving forward research collaborations and developing our strategic partnerships with national and regional organisations including NHS Trusts. The establishment of the IPHW will align our research capability, expertise and strengths across a broad spectrum of research and innovations in public health and wellbeing, including a wide range of health-related training programmes, clinics, facilities and services, leveraging the assets of our expertise and skills to enable us to scale our impact. The IPHW will support the University’s vision to be recognised as a centre for excellence in health-related research and education, at a local, regional and national level.
The Institute will harness the strengths of our University to deliver research, innovation and impact across four key pillars:
Professor and Deputy Director of Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing
We are now seeking to appoint a Deputy Director to support the Director of the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing, to shape and develop this high performing and ambitious Institute. The successful candidate will provide direction to the IPHW to deliver research; partner and business engagement that has a positive impact on the world and that gives our work real value and a unique sense of purpose. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the academic community and external partners to deliver the strategy of the Institute. They will have a proven record of accomplishment of successfully building constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with new collaborators and new funders. Their substantial contribution will generate significant research impact and in keeping with the REF criteria. They will enhance the scholarly reputation of the Institute and enhance the reputation of their home department/school within both academic and external communities.
You will be appointed to a substantive Chair (Professorship) in one of our academic departments, to which you will revert at the conclusion of your term of office. The initial term of appointment to the role of Deputy Director is three years, with eligibility for re-appointment for an additional three-year term thereafter. On completion of the secondment, you will return to your ‘home’ department as a Professor, undertaking the normal range of education, research and leadership/citizenship duties. Throughout the secondment period 0.8 FTE of your time will be allocated to the Director role and 0.2.FTE allocated to your own research.
A full list of duties can be found within the jobpack attached.
Skills and qualifications required
The successful candidate will have a sustained record of strategic leadership in academic development and a proven record in securing and managing substantial research grants. Their professional reputation and strong track record of impactful interactions with local, regional, national and international organisations and partners will mean they can influence, lead and shape the IPHW. An ability to assimilate, interpret and disseminate scientific data and information from different sources and sharing to various audiences to promote the interests of the IPHW is required. The individual’s commitment to helping develop dynamic communities of research at the University, through inter-disciplinary collaboration where appropriate will ensure the IPHW achieves its ambitions.
Communications Relationship management
The IPHW has a high profile within the University and a strong blend of personal and professional qualities will be essential, particularly the ability to work constructively with a wide range of professional and academic colleagues in pursuit of the University’s complex objectives and fulfilment of its plans. The role-holder will need to demonstrate high levels of competence and integrity. In addition, it will be essential for the role-holder to communicate with a very wide range of external individuals and organisations, including potential funders of research, senior policy-makers in government, private sector and partner organisations. The role-holder will be expected to represent the University at a senior level and will deputise for the Director of the IPHW and act as the University’s lead representative in external partnerships with international, national or regional bodies when required. Enhancing the impact of the University’s regional higher education relationships through playing a key role in collaborations such as the Eastern ARC, NHS Trusts and other external providers.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk
*More information: Working at the University