University of Edinburgh Chancellor’s Fellowship Programme 2020

The latest round of recruitment into the highly prestigious Chancellor’s Fellowship programme has begun. The University is investing in a unique cohort of 10 researchers of the highest quality who will focus on addressing the multi-faceted challenges faced by developing countries.

University of Edinburgh Chancellor’s Fellowship

The University of Edinburgh is a world-leading research institution, ranked in the global top 30 in QS, THES and US News Rankings and 4th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2014). We have globally leading expertise in the field of international development research and our mission is to make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to the world. Our leading reputation in development research takes place in partnership with countries across the globe. The far-reaching and long-term importance of our work can be evidenced through the impact of research. For example our ‘Stamp Out Sleeping Sickness’ project which led to a 90% reduction of human cases of Sleeping Sickness in Uganda and ‘Policy Innovation Systems for Clean Energy Systems’ which improved energy access, employment opportunities and health outcomes for some 300,000 people in East Africa. The UK Collaborative on Development Research selected these projects as two of the top 20 most impactful case studies in REF2014.

The Chancellor’s Fellowships in Global Challenges build on our outstanding development research and our highly prestigious tenure-track Chancellor’s Fellowship programmes. We are now investing in developing a unique cohort of 10 researchers who will focus specifically on addressing the challenges faced by developing countries, but who can come from any discipline and have capacity to work across disciplinary interfaces.

It is anticipated that following a successful end of year three review you will get the opportunity to transition to an open-ended post at an appropriate grade. Appointments will normally be made on the grade 8 academic scale (£41,526-£49,553), dependent on experience, but in exceptional circumstances a more senior appointment may be made at grade 9 (£52,559 – £59,135).

Field(s) of Research: The Chancellor’s Fellowship programme is looking for next generation international research leaders, focused on issues critical to development, whose work is innovative, interdisciplinary and above all impactful. Research leaders from all disciplines whose work engages with the Sustainable Development Goals are invited to apply. However, the programme is particularly encouraging candidates who will focus on, or work across:

• Migration and Refugees
• Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk
• Conflict Resolution (including PeaceTech)
• Sustainable Cities
• Data and Digital Development
• Global Health
• Food Systems
• Education and Employability
• Affordable and Clean Energy

Job Purpose: To undertake research in line with the research strategy of the host College (College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine; College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences or College of Science & Engineering). You will be expected to have already established a reputation for high quality research and innovation.

The Chancellor’s Fellows will be ambassadors of research for development impact and will build a community of practice around global challenges research and its impact. You will work closely with the University’s International Development Research Support Office and be expected to enhance the University ability to conduct ODA compliant research, as well as to build strategic partnerships with institutions in developing countries.

University of Edinburgh Chancellor’s Fellowship Eligibility

Main Responsibilities

The Fellows’ initial focus will be on producing world-class research and innovation, fully realising its impact in developing countries. Fellows will be expected to work to build existing and new research communities, and with a vision for future research-led teaching innovations. The University will provide you with a generous start-up package. Fellows will also be trained in contemporary on-line and blended education. Over time, you will be expected progressively to take up the full range of core academic activities, including teaching, academic leadership and partnership development commitments.
• To undertake world-leading interdisciplinary research (85% of time initially)
• To undertake development training to be competent in academic roles (5%)
• To contribute to teaching programmes (UG and PGT) (5% initially)
• To undertake administrative responsibilities associated with research and teaching duties (5% initially)

It is intended that the teaching and administrative components will increase incrementally to a normal academic workload by the end of the 5-years.

Planning and organising

The Chancellor’s Fellow will be required to plan their research project and execute it, applying for and winning research funding appropriate to the discipline. You will train in the skills required to lead research, to supervise research students, and to teach undergraduates and postgraduates as required by the Head of School.

Problem solving

The Fellow will need to win research funding and provide appropriate projects for research students. You will be required to develop material for teaching and deliver this.

Decision-making

There are a variety of day-to-day independent decisions that need to be made in undertaking a research programme, and decisions made jointly with colleagues in teaching and in academic administration.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential (for Grade 8 and Grade 9 appointments)
• Carry out world-leading research
• PhD in a relevant area
• Significant further research experience, preferably with evidence of the ability to obtain funding to support interdisciplinary research related to global challenges.
• Experience of international and interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Recent record of outstanding publications.
• Ability to teach within the discipline
• Experience and achievement in teaching, reflected in a personal teaching portfolio.
• Understanding of the funding opportunities and constraints appropriate to the field.
• External Engagement
• Good understanding of the potential non-academic impacts of the research and ways of engaging in order to achieve these.
• Experience of working collaboratively with business, policy makers and other end users, and with other disciplines.
• Willingness to develop and conduct public engagement activities including, for example public talks and discussions, engagements in festivals and specialist media.
• Management and Leadership
• Familiarity with elementary financial planning, management of resources and appropriate administrative behaviour, including collegiate support of colleagues.
• Ability to foster a strong, student-focused culture.
• An understanding of working with a diverse body of students and staff, creating an inclusive culture.

Desirable (essential for Grade 9 appointments)

• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in world leading research, supported by track record of publication and/or design, development and delivery of teaching and learning programmes.
• Evidence of effective contribution to the wider academic community and wider work of the University including work involving the public, private and/or voluntary sectors and the general population.
• Evidence of developing techniques, standards and methods, acting as a role model for best practice.
• Evidence of leading interdisciplinary teaching.
• Management and Leadership
• Proven ability to plan and lead the delivery of one or more research projects and to ensure the delivery of the required outcomes. Experience in the supervision, training and mentoring of colleagues.
• Experience of academic administration.
• Experience of PhD student supervision.

Key Contacts/Relationships

• Head of School and VP International
• Academic staff within the College and unit
• Professional staff within the academic unit and the wider University
• Research students, postdoctoral colleagues, etc.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Job context and any other relevant information

The positions will be on the Academic Staff scale. Appointment will be on Grade 8 (or exceptionally Grade 9), depending on experience and the normal practice within the discipline. Chancellor’s Fellow appointees will be subject to the standard University promotion criteria and process.

Value of Award

• It is anticipated that following a successful end of year 3 review the majority of Chancellors Fellows will transition to an open-ended post at an appropriate grade. Appointments will normally be made on the grade 8 academic scale (£41,526-£49,553), dependent on experience, but in exceptional circumstances a more senior appointment may be made at grade 9 (£52,559 – £59,135).
• Relocation support and Immigration Fee Assistance are available, including practical support for a spouse/partner and families.
• This role is either Grade UE08 or Grade UE09 and therefore the post holders are automatically included in membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subject to the USS membership criteria, unless they indicate that they choose not to join the Scheme.

Duration of Award: Highly prestigious 5-year tenure track fellowships focused on cutting edge research, which addresses the challenges faced by developing countries.

How to Apply for University of Edinburgh Chancellor’s Fellowship

All applicants should apply online by clicking the apply link at the bottom of this page and submitting an up to date CV. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments.
When applying, it is essential that you attach:
• Detailed CV
• Two-page outline of a proposed research programme clearly highlighting the Challenge Themes(s) as defined in the job description.
This is important for your application to be fully considered.

We anticipate interviews will be held between the 18th November and 5th December 2019. You will be notified by email whether you have been shortlisted for interview or not.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 16th October 2019, 5pm (GMT).

Application Deadline: 16th October 2019 5pm (GMT).

Vacancy Ref: 049711

For more information, visit University of Edinburgh Chancellor’s Fellowship.