Director of The Institute of Genetics and Cancer

From Nobel laureates and Olympic champions to space explorers and prime ministers, the University of Edinburgh has been influencing history since it opened the gates to its first students in 1583.

The Institute of Genetics and Cancer

The world-leading Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC) brings together clinicians and multidisciplinary researchers to understand the genetic and biologic mechanisms associated with development and disease, and to decipher the mechanistic insights needed to form the foundations of future medical advances. The Institute is committed to translating our research towards clinical impact both within the University of Edinburgh and through external partnerships with colleagues in academia, industry and healthcare.

The IGC forms the core of genetics, genomics and cancer research in Edinburgh. This is currently underpinned by major investment by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) (formerly via the CRUK Edinburgh Centre but now via the CRUK Scotland Centre) and MRC/UKRI (via the MRC Human Genetics Unit) and collaborative relationships within and beyond the University of Edinburgh.

The Institute is also home to a number of highly successful groups working with population-level data and pursuing genomics and experimental medicine strategies for common diseases: for example bone, joint, skin and inflammatory bowel disorders and diabetes. The Institute’s research strategy is built on a coalition of distinct world class expertise in genetics and cancer and embraces multi-disciplinary strengths across the University to drive knowledge and healthcare impact.

The IGC and wider College facilitate cutting-edge research through excellent facilities, and they foster a collegial, collaborative and inclusive research culture. Training and development of the talent and skills that underpin this research is a key focus and strength of the Institute.

The Position

We are looking for a research leader with an international reputation who will continue to foster and grow an environment where people thrive; someone who is collegial and ambitious for growing the Institute’s research and teaching and who is well-equipped to lead during a forthcoming period of change. Institute directors are central to the success of the wider College and University. They will be motivated to work collaboratively with the talented academic, professional services staff and student body of the College to shape the next phase of the Institute’s development and success.

The Institute has a devolved budget for which the Director will have overall responsibility. This budget depends upon a strong external funding strategy, which the Director will be expected to shape together with PIs. The Director will report to the Head of College (currently Professor David Argyle). They will sit on the College Senior Management Team and Executive Group chaired by the Head of College and will also be a member of the College Research Committee, chaired by the College Dean of Research (currently Professor Stuart Forbes).

The Director will lead in maintaining and developing the strategic relationship with charities and funding councils and will also:

provide strategic leadership of the Institute to maximise high-quality scientific outputs, including advising on funding strategy and promoting a translational agenda;
establish an internationally competitive personal research group with a focus that is consistent with the Institute’s strategy;
enhance and lead opportunities for collaborative research grant generation through developing strategic proposals, collaborative programmes and challenge-led grants;
champion the development and delivery of excellent research-led learning and teaching, including through contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes, and through student supervision;
exemplify and foster an outstanding culture founded on principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, transparency and collegiality;
support effective career development and mentoring of staff at all levels within the Institute, consistent with Athena SWAN priorities and the University HR framework;
ensure the that the Institute infrastructure, including through its support services and facilities, meets the current and emerging needs of researchers in the Institute;
oversee the planning and control of the Institute’s recurrent and capital budgets, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and seeking support for major infrastructure investments to support the mission of the Institute;
promote knowledge exchange and public / patient involvement in the Institute research;
contribute to the broader strategy and activities in the University of Edinburgh, including the coordination of future Research Excellence Framework assessment exercises.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

An outstanding research environment fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You will have access to world class technologies via our state-of-the-art local facilities, support for public and patient engagement and involvement and tightly networked expertise across Edinburgh and our partner centres to complement and help drive your research.
An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success. You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which include a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more. Visit our Staff Benefits website for further information and use our reward calculator to find out the total value of pay and benefits provided.

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT+ equality.

This is a senior appointment by the University of Edinburgh and, as such, a competitive salary will be offered and will be negotiable depending on experience. The successful applicant will be employed as a University Professor on University terms and conditions. Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

The Person

Leadership comes in many forms. We are looking for someone who upholds our values and who will work to enable the people around them to deliver as best they can, while contributing to research and teaching that can change the world.

Standing and Reputation

An outstanding research track record in genetics or cancer;
Experience of building successful collaborative partnerships and networks;
Ability to represent the Institute and University nationally and internationally with a range of different

Strategy

Demonstrate vision and experience in the leadership of a science-driven organisation, including the ability to develop and execute strategy in an institute of 500 scientists;
Demonstrate a commitment to look across disciplines and translational research.

Leadership

A motivating, inclusive and effective leader, able to work with and enthuse a diverse range of staff across the breadth of the Institute and University, contributing to the further development of the Institute;
Ability to act decisively and lead during periods of significant development and

Management

Manage and direct a sustainable, diverse research operation with a large number of staff;
Manage conflict and negotiate successful outcomes;
Work with the Chief Operating Officer and senior professional services staff to deliver the necessary operational, people and financial planning (including capital development).

Impact

Promote an environment in which the Institute delivers excellent research and teaching programmes;
Demonstrate a commitment to knowledge transfer with an ability to spot and seize opportunities to translate research at the Institute for societal impact or clinical benefit for patients;
Excellent influencing and communication skills with the motivation to debate difficult issues.

In each of the areas above, candidates will be required to demonstrate their track record and future vision.

Appointment Process and How to Apply

Enquiries or applications can be made, in confidence, to Natalie Derry or Julia Anderson at WittKieffer.

Applications should include the following:

a full academic CV, including your contributions to supporting the wider research system; and
a covering letter (of no more than two A4 pages) outlining your interest in, and vision for, the role.

Completed applications should be submitted electronically to [email protected] or [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Monday 24 June 2024 at 12 noon.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal visit to the University and Institute during the weeks beginning 19th August and 26th August in order to explore the role further ahead of formal interviews. The process will conclude with formal panel interviews on 2 September 2024, which will be held in Edinburgh. The final appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references.

Applications are welcomed from everyone. The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and applicants from minority groups are particularly encouraged.

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