Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation Appointment Brief October 2019

Swansea University

Swansea University is a research-led institution that thrives on exploration and discovery. We offer a compelling balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life on our two beachfront campuses. As we approach our centenary year, we are extremely proud of how the University has contributed to the transformation of Swansea as a city of distinction, since 1920. We are currently developing our new strategic plan, as we embark excitedly on our second century.

With more than 20,000 students, the University has enjoyed a period of tremendous growth, with a 48% increase in first degree student numbers between 2013/14 and 2017/18.

Growth has been matched by the highest standards of student experience. We are ranked in the UK top 10 for overall student satisfaction by the National Student Survey (NSS) and were awarded University of the Year, in the 2019 What Uni Student Choice Awards 2019. Swansea University also took the top spot in the International category, and were placed third in the Postgraduate, and Course and Lecturers categories. We are the Welsh University of the Year, and Runner-Up UK University of the Year in the 2019 Times and Sunday Times Guide.

We have also achieved a gold rating, the highest possible, in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Our graduates enjoy excellent opportunities, evidenced by our UK joint 5th ranking for graduate prospects, equal with the University of Cambridge.

The Research Excellence Framework saw us achieve our ambition of being a top 30 research University, experiencing the highest rise of any university up the league table, from 52nd in 2008 to 26th in 2014.

Singleton Campus One of our two award-winning beachfront campuses, each of which holds the prestigious Green Flag status.

These examples demonstrate Swansea's commitment to providing a world-leading, globally collaborative and internationally recognised research. Our research-led, practice-driven teaching of the highest quality produces global graduates educated and equipped for distinguished personal and professional achievement. And we have enviable industrial collaborations that drive economic growth, foster prosperity, and enrich the community and cultural life of Wales.

Swansea University is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and has been a proud member of the Athena SWAN Charter since 2008. We are proud to hold a Silver Institutional Award – one of only 17 Universities in the UK to achieve this.

Campus Transformation Swansea University’s Singleton Campus was established in 1920, when King George V laid the University’s ceremonial foundation stone, at Singleton Abbey. Located in parkland, on Swansea’s seafront, it was designed to be the first campus university in the UK. The Abbey remains at the heart of Singleton Campus, which has continued to develop and has been the main home of our University for almost a century.

More recently, we established our Bay Campus: a £450 million beachfront development, which has doubled our research and teaching capacity, on the eastern approach to the city. Together with the continuing transformation of Singleton Park Campus, this development signals our intention to be one of the finest places to live, teach, research and collaborate in Europe.

College of Engineering, Bay Campus

Research Excellence As a top 30 research–intensive University, we continue to excel with over 90% of our research being classed as world–leading or internationally excellent for the difference it makes in society. We have had a 300% increase in UKRI funds since 2014, and our overall research income has increased by 70% in 10 years. In alignment with this growth, we have expanded of our research facilities, marked by the opening of our new science and innovation Bay Campus.

Swansea University has been ranked 22nd in the UK for research impact, outperforming 11 Russell Group Universities (REF 2014). We are committed to research with real-world benefit; whether it be in the capture of carbon dioxide to create a greener plastic, or in building houses that act like power stations; to regenerating and transforming industrial landscapes or understanding better the needs and aspirations of an ageing population.

BLOODHOUND Supersonic car An industrial collaboration with the College of Engineering, following the success of the THRUST Supersonic Car, which currently holds the world land-speed record

Research Environment At Swansea, we recognise that the big challenges of today do not respect the artificial boundaries between traditional disciplines. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, providing training for our Early Career Researchers through to Chairs, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact.

Our dedicated Research, Engagement & Innovations Services (REIS) are a diverse and highly skilled team, who work across both campuses, to support the entire lifecycle of research ideas, from grant capture, to project management, the commercialisation of research, and the development of business ideas.

We have centres of excellence across both campuses, with a vast array of facilities available for researchers, including, but not limited to:

- The Computational Foundry A world-class facility that houses more than 150 computer science researchers. The First Minister of Wales describes the Foundry as "a beacon for pioneering collaborations with researchers and industry, attracting further research funding and establishing Wales as a world-leading centre for computer science and innovation”.

- The Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) A innovative research centre specialising in materials, processing and numerical technologies. Opened in May 2019, this unique facility includes hub space for 150 researchers, and colocation space for 50 collaborators.

- Data Science Building Completed in 2015, this was developed as a world-class centre in eHealth and administrative data research. This facility is part of the Medical School, who are ranked 1st in the UK for research environment.

- Centre for Nanohealth (CNH) This 1600m2 purpose built open access facility provides a technology and innovation base for industry and academia in Wales, UK and beyond. It is the home of collaborations between Colleges of Engineering and Science, the Medical School, National Health Board (NHS) clinicians, and industry partners.

- Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) ESRI provides an exceptional environment for delivering cutting-edge research across energy and energy safety related disciplines

- The Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, CSAR This state-of-the-art, controlled environment conducts research and technological development, and provides training and advice on behalf of commercial farmers/aquaculture service providers, funding agencies and governmental institutions, in the UK and internationally.

The Computational Foundry A world-class research facility, based at the £450m Bay Campus development

Innovation & Enterprise Swansea University was founded by industry, in 1920, to delivery for industry. Nearly one hundred years on, we continue to have impressive links with commercial and industrial partners across a range of sectors. We lead Wales in research areas critical to economic growth and population well-being including Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Engineering.

We are committed to promoting and supporting collaborations that lead to innovation. We are proud to have homegrown, award-winning enterprises actively working with the University. We currently have:

• over 40 companies co-located on our campuses; • over 30 Bay Campus spinout enterprises, since it opened in 2015; • been awarded 1st in Wales, and 5th in the UK for Staff start-ups active after three years (HEBCI 2018)

We listen to business needs and have developed effective strategic collaborations that are mutually beneficial, helping to;

• solve industry challenges and discover new opportunities • provide two-way access to talent and future-proofing skills for industry • provide commercial opportunities such as flagship industry co-located centres.

In recognition of the university’s importance to the Swansea Bay City Region, we have pledged, alongside Swansea Council, to work closely to create more jobs, improve education and continue promoting a culture of enterprise and innovation. We have a number of significant, long-term partnerships with industry, ranging from TATA and Rolls Royce to the DVLA and SKY.

Steel Innovation Swansea University was founded to meet the needs of the metal industries. Today, its partnerships with the steel industry are more important than ever.

University Structure Senior Management Team The University is led by the Senior Management Team, consisting of: Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle Registrar & Chief Operating Officer Mr Andrew Rhodes Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) This is the role being appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Martin Stringer Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning & Resource) Professor Steve Wilks Director of Finance Mr Rob Eastwood

Academic Colleges The University has seven Academic Colleges based across both campuses, each led by a Head of College: College of Arts and Humanities Professor John Spurr College of Science Professor Matt Jones College of Engineering Professor Huw Summers College of Human and Health Sciences Professor Ceri Phillips Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law Professor Elwen Evans QC School of Management Professor Katrina Pritchard, Professor Mike Williams Swansea University Medical School Professor Keith Lloyd

Professional Services Eleven Professional Service Directorates support the University’s work. Each Director reports to the Registrar and Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for ensuring efficient and effective professional services across the University's activities. Academic Services Estates and Facilities Management Finance Human Resources Information Services and Systems

Legal and Governance Services Marketing, Recruitment & International Planning and Strategic Projects Unit Research, Engagement and Innovation Services Student Services

The City of Swansea Swansea is a coastal city that is both picturesque and cosmopolitan, offering an excellent quality of life. Wales' City by the Sea and birthplace of Dylan Thomas, it is a lively and vibrant maritime city and regional shopping centre with a population of 240,000.

Swansea University boasts strong ties with the city, as a sponsor of Swansea City Football Club and having an academic base within the city Civic Centre.

Between 2014 – 2017 the Vibrant and Viable Places Scheme, a joint venture between the Welsh Government and private investors, brought a total of £10.2 million of investment into the city centre and resulted in regeneration of some of the city’s key buildings. The project generated hundreds of jobs as well as the redevelopment of 58,000 square feet of commercial space.

The city is set to continue evolving at pace with The Swansea Bay City Deal; a £1.3bn investment secured by the Swansea Bay City Region for 11 major projects across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot; being a key factor. The University is committed to collaborating with local partners and has planned to have significant involvement in The Swansea Bay City Deal projects.

The city has direct links to both London and Manchester and is a short train journey from the city of Cardiff. Only a stone's throw away, the Victorian resort of Mumbles offers a fantastic array of attractions, including a pier, traditional boutiques, craft shops and ice-cream parlours.

Mumbles is known as the 'Gateway to Gower', designated as Britain's first 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. The Gower Peninsula extends West of Mumbles in a succession of stunning coastal and rural sceneries.

To the East, the 'Waterfall Country' at Afan and the Vale of Neath is a haven for walkers and bikers alike. A journey west, takes you to Britain’s only coastal National Park: Pembrokeshire. Swansea is also privileged to be less than an hour’s drive from the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula

THE ROLE Background Information

World class research outputs, underpinned by strong grant capture, are crucial to the University’s continuing success. The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) will lead the development and implementation of the University’s Research & Innovation strategy, driving continuous improvement in the volume, quality & impact of the University’s research output and ensuring the University continues to enhance its reputation as a leading research institution through REF 2021 and beyond. The University has a strong reputation for partnering with industry and has ambitions for this to grow in line with our impact agenda. The PVC R&I also leads on the support and development of policies for PhD students.

This is a strategic academic leadership role and an influential part of the University’s Senior Leadership Team. The post-holder will report to the Vice-Chancellor and work with the rest of the senior leadership team to further the University’s overall academic and business development, whilst working closely with the leaders of our Professional Services to ensure that resources and processes are appropriately aligned to support the University’s strategic research & innovation objectives.

Main Purposes of the Post

• Lead the development, implementation, reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement of the University’s Research & Innovation Strategy;

• Lead the University’s REF preparations and submission, for REF 2021 and beyond, ensuring the University maintains or enhances its current ranking;

• Work closely with senior Academic and Professional Services colleagues to ensure there is a coherent strategic approach to driving forward the University’s Research & Innovation aims and objectives;

• Work closely with senior Academic and Professional Services colleagues to create an environment that supports the production of world-class research and innovation that has demonstrable impact in the world;

• Maximise the effectiveness of developmental support for post-graduate research students and early career researchers to provide a constant pipeline of high quality research & innovation talent;

• Continually improve the volume, quality and impact of the University’s research output;

• Continually increase the University’s research income;

• Enhance the University’s reputation as a world-class research institution, strengthening relationships with funding bodies;

• Continually grow and develop the University’s revenue from commercial initiatives such as spin-outs, joint ventures and IP licensing agreements, ensuring the University’s innovation & engagement activity capitalises on its research output;

• Drive the University’s entrepreneurship agenda, increasing the number of start-ups created by students after successfully completing their degree studies with us;

• Take a lead in over-seeing PhD support and policies, and increasing the number of PHD students.

THE PERSON Leadership

• Demonstrable evidence of creating a culture that delivers successful outcomes, through developing and challenging people to succeed and take pride in achieving strategic objectives;

• Ability to enable teams to work together across functions, to deliver successful outcomes that exceed the needs and expectations of the organisation, whilst creating environments that

demonstrate equality, foster trust, respect and challenge;

• Strategic leadership experience, with the ability to successfully lead the Research & Innovation agenda in a HE context;

• Capacity to foster a working environment that demonstrates a commitment to equality, trust, respect and constructive challenge.

Qualifications & Experience

• High personal, professional & academic standing with proven academic leadership experience and research credibility at international level;

• Experience of strategic academic leadership at executive, or near-executive level, using innovative thinking to develop & implement strategies to achieve organisational objectives;

• Experience of leading major research & innovation initiatives that have improved the quality & impact

of research, increased research funding and/or increased commercial revenues;

• Experience of building and maintaining relationships with external networks and funding bodies, enhancing institutional reputation and leading to increased research income and collaboration;

• Good understanding of the issues related to PhD studies, including funding and support.

Knowledge & Skills

• Complete understanding of the Research Excellence Framework and of its implications for a research-led institution;

• Understanding of the national and international research policy & funding landscape;

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences;

• Professional credibility, integrity, strength of character, and the ability to influence others within the University and externally;

• Evidence of being a good team-player;

• Demonstrable ability to plan and implement change across a complex research-led HE institution;

• Demonstrable ability to plan, and implement change in a pan-organisational context.

The Abbey A stunning historical building, rich in wildlife, at the heart of Singleton Campus.

Terms of Appointment Salary Competitive

Hours of Work Full time, 35 hours per week.

Contract: Permanent

Location: The role of PVC R&I is based on our Singleton Campus, with travel to our Bay Campus as required.

How to Apply Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Swansea University Candidates should apply for this role through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments, using code WASYK. Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter. The closing date for applications is noon on Thursday 21 November 2019. GDPR personal data notice According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data within your CV (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior agreement.