Appointment to this post will be made at the level of Reader/Professor.The Role and DutiesThe Deputy Dean (Research) Social Sciences is among the principal officers of the University and plays a crucial role in supporting the Executive Dean to implement and achieve the University's strategic objectives for research. This newly established position is an exciting opportunity to take on a key research leadership role in a research-intensive University. The University is ranked 19th for research excellence in REF2014 and 4th in the UK for the social sciences.This is a pan-university role requiring the Deputy Dean (Research) to work not only within the Faculty, but with the Deputy Deans (Research) in other Faculties to promote cross-faculty collaboration and to co-ordinate major strategic research initiatives. The successful applicant will provide research leadership within the faculty to meet the research key performance indicators within the university strategic plan and will work with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research, Executive Dean, the Directors of Research from each department, the Heads of Department and the Research Enterprise Office (REO) to support a strong submission to REF2021.Other duties include promoting research links and engagement with external organisations including with industry, supporting the development of University strategy and chairing appointments committees as required.The successful candidate will be seconded to the Deputy Dean (Research) role for three years in the first instance and will not have teaching responsibilities during this period. On returning to the substantive role of Reader or Professor in the department, the full range of academic duties, including education, research, leadership and citizenship, relevant to the level appointment will be assumed.The PersonWe are looking for someone with the experience and ambition to support the production of world class research in the social sciences. They will have ambition for, and a passionate commitment to, the social sciences. They will have a clear understanding of the external funding environment, the impact agenda and the current research policy landscape. Experience of leading research initiatives and of writing, or contributing to the writing of REF submissions, will be a distinct advantage. We also welcome applications from candidates with experience of working with industry to develop innovative joint research projects and to generate new funding streams.Applicants should have a PhD in a discipline relevant to the faculty, an established and credible research track record in a relevant discipline, experience in chairing meetings, and an in-depth understanding of assuring research quality. They will have well developed analytical and problem solving skills, excellent leadership and management skills, and will be able to communicate, negotiate and galvanise academic colleagues to achieve strategic objectives by working in collaboration with each other.In addition for appointment at Professorial level applicants should have a substantial record of internationally excellent, world-leading research in their field with demonstrable impact of research, and a sustained record of effective strategic leadership in research, academic practice and academic development.The post is a full-time appointment, with up to 0.8 FTE allocated to the Deputy Dean (Research) role and 0.2 FTE allocated for maintaining and developing their research career. There is some flexibility on the time allocation for candidates who may be committed to externally funded research projects.At the University of Essex internationalism 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 and a university where you can find the world in one place.Please see the further detail link below for 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 telephone the Resourcing Team (01206 874693/873521).Our dedicated Deputy Dean (Research) website also provides full details of the role, the Faculty and the university.*Further detail: Deputy Dean (Research) jobpack*More information: Working at the University