The University is seeking a Director for the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI).
The SMMI was established in 2012, building on the University’s strengths in ocean science, engineering, maritime law and archaeology, and other ocean-facing fields. The Institute brings together hundreds of academics from all five faculties.
The mission of the SMMI is to advance knowledge and understanding of marine and maritime issues, and to develop innovative solutions to challenges in these fields by fostering collaboration between researchers, industry, policymakers, the third sector, and communities.
SMMI research covers many areas including decarbonisation, climate change, marine biodiversity, marine pollution, maritime safety and security, ocean governance, ports of the future, offshore energy, sustainable coastal development, coastal communities, and maritime culture and heritage. The SMMI aims to generate new knowledge and insights in these and other areas through interdisciplinary research, and to translate this knowledge into practical, real-world solutions for industry, policymakers, and society.
The post will be responsible for developing and delivering the vision for the Institute as a hub of interdisciplinary research excellence, projecting the strength of the University’s marine and maritime research, knowledge exchange and enterprise, at a regional, national and international level.
The Director will provide strategic leadership by overseeing the Institute’s budget and developing a programme of activities that will strengthen both the University’s academic output and its ability to attract research funding, nurture enterprise activities, and support marine and maritime-relevant education.
The Director will also ensure that every opportunity is taken to optimise and exploit the synergies offered by the interaction of world-leading researchers working at the interfaces of the disciplines to address global challenges, in line with the Triple Helix University strategy.
Mark Spearing, Vice-President Research and Enterprise (VPRE) said: “On behalf of the University, I would like to thank Professor Damon Teagle for his excellent leadership of SMMI over the past eight years and we wish him well in the next phase of his career. The Institute has continued to strengthen and has become a very important and distinctive component of the University during his tenure. The next Director will be able to build on the progress that Damon and his leadership team have made.”
The new Director will report directly to the VPRE and work in close collaboration with the Associate Vice-President(s) (Interdisciplinary Research) and the Deans of Faculties.
The role will be 0.5FTE and will sit alongside the appointee’s substantive ERE post at the University.
This post is offered on a tenured basis initially for a period of three years, which is extendable up to a maximum of five years.
How to apply
For a discussion about the post please contact Mark Spearing, Vice-President (Research and Enterprise) [email protected] or John Holloway, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) [email protected].
For further information, please see the recruitment website where you will be able to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing why you are interested in the role, how you feel you could support the development and direction of the Institute and your experience in supporting interdisciplinary research within life sciences.
Application Link – https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=47610&forced=1
The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) Wednesday 26 February 2025.