The University of Manchester is seeking an outstanding scientific leader to serve as Director of Royce Manchester, leading Manchester’s contribution to the national Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s flagship institute for advanced materials research and innovation.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of materials science at scale, leading a nationally significant research hub while holding a permanent Chair within the School of Natural Sciences.
The Role
Reporting to the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, you will provide strategic and scientific leadership for Royce Manchester, positioning it at the forefront of international materials research.
You will:
- Lead world class people, programmes and facilities to deliver globally leading research and innovation
- Strengthen Manchester’s role as host of the Royce hub, ensuring strong alignment with national Royce priorities
- Secure major external funding and build high-impact partnerships across academia, industry and government
- Drive operational excellence, financial sustainability and robust governance
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing research environment
This is a role for a leader who combines scientific distinction with strategic vision and the ability to build partnerships that translate research into impact.
The Person
You will bring:
- An international academic reputation with an outstanding record of high-quality research outputs, major external grant capture and impactful industrial collaboration
- Substantial senior leadership experience, with a track record of building high-performing teams and delivering large-scale, multi-partner programmes
- Strategic vision and the credibility to represent Royce Manchester at the highest levels across the University, nationally and internationally
- Demonstrable experience of managing significant resources and driving organisational development within a complex research environment
- Deep expertise in an area such as advanced metals processing, biomedical materials, nuclear materials, two-dimensional materials, materials for quantum technologies, engineering biology, sustainability in materials science and/or bioelectronics
Why Join Us
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of advanced materials research at the heart of the UK’s national institute, hosted by one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. You will define strategy, drive growth and deliver global impact in materials science and innovation.
What will you get in return:
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Application deadline: Wednesday 19 April 2026
For more information and to apply visit https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/Job/JobDetail?jobid=34524&isPreview=Yes&advert=external
