Director

The N8 Research Partnership brings together eight of the most research-intensive universities in the North of England (Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York). Together, the partnership connects world-class research to the needs of business, policy and society, driving innovation and prosperity across the region and beyond. As the N8 enters an exciting new phase of development, following a period of strategic review, it is seeking an outstanding individual to become its next Director.The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for the partnership, working closely with the Vice-Chancellors and Pro Vice-Chancellors for Research from the eight member universities. They will set a clear direction for the N8’s future, developing collaborative research programmes that attract investment, strengthen partnerships and deliver tangible regional and national benefit. Alongside this, the Director will play a key external role, advocating for the value of northern research and innovation, influencing policy and funding agendas and representing the collective voice of the N8. The postholder will lead a small, high-performing central team based in Manchester and ensure that the partnership operates efficiently, transparently and with maximum impact.We are seeking a senior leader with significant experience in research, innovation, or policy who can operate confidently across institutions and sectors to influence and inspire. The successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape, a proven record of advocacy and stakeholder engagement and the credibility to work effectively with senior leaders in universities, government and industry. They will be an exceptional communicator with strategic vision, political acumen and a collaborative, values driven approach.This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the next chapter of one of the UK’s most distinctive research collaborations. The Director will lead a partnership that combines world-class research with a clear purpose: to generate opportunity, prosperity and impact for the North of England and for the UK as a whole. For full details please visit www.andersonquigley.com/n8.Closing date is noon, Monday 1 December 2025.As the employing institution on behalf of the N8, the University of Sheffield is proud to share its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that when people come together with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, they generate more creative ideas, more innovative research and stronger outcomes. We are dedicated to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported and able to contribute fully to the success of the N8 and the wider northern research community. You can read more about the University’s values and its commitment to diversity and inclusion at www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision.