About the Role

You will join the Faculty of Education as Associate Head of School (Research and Knowledge Exchange) within the School of Initial Teacher Education, providing senior leadership for research and knowledge exchange across the School. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape research quality, impact and external engagement within a nationally recognised Initial Teacher Education context.

As an active researcher, you will champion excellence in research and knowledge exchange, foster an inclusive and high‑performing research culture, and lead the School’s research and knowledge exchange strategy. Working closely with Faculty and University colleagues, you will grow external income, develop strong partnerships, support REF and KEF activity, and lead future‑focused, ethically grounded digital and AI‑enabled approaches to research and knowledge exchange.

Through this work, you will influence research, policy and practice in Initial Teacher Education at local, national and international levels.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Michelle Pearson, Head of School (Initial Teacher Education), at Michelle.Pearson@edgehill.ac.uk and Professor Andy Smith, Deputy Dean, (Faculty of Education) at Smithand@edgehill.ac.uk

About You

You will be joining a Faculty with a strong sense of purpose and an outstanding national reputation for Initial Teacher Education. You will work within a diverse, collaborative and outward‑facing academic community committed to using education, research and knowledge exchange to enhance life chances and address real‑world challenges.

You will be supported to develop as a research leader within an ambitious and inclusive environment where excellence, innovation and partnership working are genuinely valued. You will have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, engage with influential partners, and see your work make a meaningful and lasting difference to learners, teachers and communities.

As part of Edge Hill University, you will benefit from a supportive institution with a strong commitment to equality, professional development and wellbeing, alongside the opportunity to shape research, practice and policy within Initial Teacher Education at local, national and international levels.

At Edge Hill University, we value the benefits that a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Rewards & Benefits

•    35 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (Plus bank holidays and University closure days)

•    Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the-art sport and leisure facilities

•    Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.

•    Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources

•    A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career

•    Beautiful award-winning on-campus working environment.

•    Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme 

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before. 

Today, the effect we have has a far-reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award-winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world. 

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education

Closing Date: 29 Jun 2026

Department: Senior Manager

Salary: Competitive

This is a pivotal opportunity for an experienced academic leader to shape the strategic direction of research and knowledge exchange from the outset. Working closely with the Deputy Dean and Head of School, you will lead an ambitious portfolio that enhances impact, reputation and sustainability. The role combines strategic vision with operational leadership and carries clear accountability for performance, income generation and research impact within a dynamic, outward-facing and socially engaged School.

About the Role

As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will lead the School’s research and knowledge exchange strategy, delivering against agreed objectives, income targets and performance measures. You will strengthen the School’s contribution to REF and KEF, grow research and knowledge exchange income, and build impactful regional, national and international partnerships.

You will promote innovative, inclusive and interdisciplinary research, including responsible use of digital and AI‑enabled approaches, while fostering a high‑performing research culture that supports staff development and integrates research with teaching and the student experience.

For informal enquiries, please contact: Professor Christopher Greenough, Head of School, School of Education at Greenouc@edgehill.ac.uk and Professor Andy Smith, Deputy Dean, (Faculty of Education) at Smithand@edgehill.ac.uk

About You

You will be an established academic with a strong track record in research and/or knowledge exchange, including success in securing funding, producing high‑quality outputs and delivering demonstrable impact. You will bring experience of academic leadership, with the credibility and confidence to influence, inspire and deliver improvement through others.

You will have a clear and current understanding of the UK research and knowledge exchange landscape, including REF and KEF, and the ability to translate strategic ambition into measurable outcomes. A commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration and academic excellence is essential. Experience of building partnerships, leading interdisciplinary initiatives and engaging with digital innovation and AI in an academic context will be particularly valuable.

At Edge Hill University, we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

Why This Role Matters

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape a distinctive and impactful research and knowledge exchange portfolio within a School committed to addressing inequality and improving outcomes across education and communities.

As Associate Head of School (Research & Knowledge Exchange), you will be instrumental in positioning the School and the wider Faculty as a leader in applied, socially relevant research and knowledge exchange that delivers income, reputation and real‑world impact.

Rewards & Benefits 

• 35 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (Plus bank holidays and University closure days)
• Discounted membership to on‑site sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme with discounts across retail, leisure and dining
• Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential counselling, legal and financial advice and wellbeing resources
• Access to a wide range of development programmes
• Award‑winning on‑campus working environment
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

About Us

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life‑changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we have been creating access to education for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Today, the impact of our work extends well beyond our campus, benefiting those who study, work, invest in and live within our communities. Education at Edge Hill is not about how much you take in, but about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “a great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” — Times Higher Education.

Closing Date: 29 Jun 2026

Department: Senior Manager

Salary: Competitive