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.
Post Title: Director, N8 Research Partnership
Reports to: Chair of the N8 Board (Vice-Chancellor of one of the member universities, currently Professor Tim Jones)
Location: The N8 Central Office in Manchester / Hybrid within the North of England
Employer: University of Sheffield, on behalf of the eight member universities.
Contract: Full-time
Salary: Commensurate with the seniority of the position
Closing date: 1st December 2025
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 post-holder 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.
“As Chair, I and my fellow Vice-Chancellors are determined that the N8 will now enter a new phase, one that builds on its proven research heritage while strengthening its role as a strategic regional actor. We are seeking a Director who will bring vision, credibility and entrepreneurial energy to this task: a leader who can unite the partnership, forge relationships across policy and industry and advocate powerfully for the North’s research and innovation potential.
The successful candidate will join at a pivotal time. The N8 is well positioned to influence national strategy, attract major investment, and work hand in hand with civic and regional partners to deliver real and measurable outcomes. With the support of a highly engaged Board of Vice-Chancellors and a committed Executive Group, the new Director will have both the platform and the mandate to shape the next chapter of the N8’s success.”
Professor Tim Jones, Chair of the N8 Board of Directors and Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool
Recruitment for this post is being managed by Anderson Quigley, please follow the link below for further detail, and direct any queries to:
- Elyse Turner-Pearce, +44 (0)7808 648 559, elyse.turner-pearce@andersonquigley.com
- Ed Pritchard, +44 (0)7980 817 927, ed.pritchard@andersonquigley.com