Queen’s University Belfast is a leading centre of academic excellence with a distinguished heritage and a global outlook. Founded in 1845, it has grown into a world-class institution with over 25,000 students and 4,000 staff. A top 200 university globally (QS Rankings 2026), Queen’s combines tradition with innovation, and local impact with international reach.
We are now looking to appoint a new Director for one of our flagship interdisciplinary research institutes, the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice. The Mitchell Institute embodies Queen’s commitment to advancing scholarly excellence in service of global peacebuilding, social transformation, and justice. In a world marked by growing complexity and division, the Institute’s work carries renewed urgency and resonates globally through high-profile partnerships and innovative programmes.
The Director will provide strategic vision and leadership for this international research institute and evolve the Institute’s international reputation by promoting a culture of high-quality interdisciplinary research translation and innovation that is internationally exemplary and impactful. In addition to the strategic development of the Institute, the Director is responsible for the management of all financial, physical and human resources as well as for its corporate governance.
Candidates should possess an exceptional academic record in the field of conflict, peace, security or justice, including a sustained record of internationally influential publications and research grant awards. Strong intellectual leadership skills and a record of achievement in leading a significant programme of academic will be combined with a collaborative and interdisciplinary ethos. The ability to lead and motivate a team alongside the capacity to engage successfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to success in the role.
Enquiries can be made, in confidence, to Jamie Cumming-Wesley or Evan Yeckley at WittKieffer.
Completed applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected]
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 22nd September 2025.