Director of Research and Enterprise

role at

University of Southampton Malaysia

– founding leadership position for the Delhi campus, leading research, knowledge exchange and enterprise (KEE) activities. The post will work collaboratively with the Academic Provost and Associate Vice-President (International), the Chief Operating Officer of the Delhi campus, the Director of Learning and Teaching, and the wider campus community to shape and implement globally aligned research and KEE strategies. The role is central to advancing the University’s internationalisation strategy and supporting the aspiration to be a globally relevant and engaged institution. The Delhi campus plays a vital role in this vision and is located in a country that is rapidly emerging as a global power with an expanding higher education landscape.

Responsibilities

Lead research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise activities on the Delhi campus, ensuring they are locally grounded and globally impactful.

Collaborate with campus leadership and academic staff to develop and implement research and KE strategies aligned with the University’s priorities and internationalisation goals.

Build strategic partnerships with funders, industry, and external stakeholders; nurture networks with Indian thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and other academic talent.

Support the delivery of a high-quality educational experience and translate Southampton research benefits to social and environmental challenges at scale, particularly in India and South Asia.

Develop capacity through enterprise and employment-focused education opportunities for Indian students, with broader social impact.

About YouYou will bring a strong track record of leading research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise (KEE) across a university, faculty, or branch campus. As a visible and inspiring leader, you will shape and embed research and KEE strategies at the University of Southampton Delhi, working collaboratively to advance the University’s global ambitions. Through collaborative leadership, you will ensure these activities are impactful, future-focused and aligned with University priorities.

With a sophisticated understanding of the global higher education sector and research landscape, you will lead complex, cross-disciplinary initiatives and advance purposeful, innovative and future-driven efforts that align with the University’s priorities. Your ability to build strategic partnerships and influence across academic, professional, and external communities will be central to delivering globally connected research and enterprise.

You will communicate effectively across diverse audiences and demonstrate the authenticity and resilience needed to engage stakeholders and support the University’s wider vision. Critically, you will navigate regulatory environments in both India and the UK, building strong strategic relationships with funders and partners to drive innovation and success at this pioneering international campus.

A global and diverse universityA key objective of the University’s International Strategy is to establish three new campuses in strategically important regions, amplifying the global impact of our research, education, and enterprise through long-term, capacity-building and equitable partnerships. Our presence in India, alongside Malaysia and the UK, will strengthen Southampton’s position as a truly global institution and support our ambition to be among the world’s top 50 universities by 2027–28. We want to attract people who share our passion for innovation, inclusion, and excellence in research and education. In the UK, we are proud of our Stonewall Diversity Champion status, Athena SWAN silver award and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, so we must ensure our Delhi campus reflects this inclusive vision and embodies the values that define our University community.

What We Can Offer YouThe post-holder will be employed by the University’s local subsidiary in India on competitive terms and conditions, with benefits commensurate to the profile of the role.

Additional InformationThis post is offered on a tenured basis initially for five years, with an extension of up to a maximum of eight years. At the end of this tenure, the postholder will return to a substantive professorial position within the University.

How To ApplyFor more information and details of how to apply, please email TalentEdu: southampton@talentedu.co.uk

https://talentedu.com/jobs/research-enterprise

Tel: +44 (0)203 290 2907

Important datesClosing date for receipt of applications: midnight (BST) on Thursday 2 October 2025.

Following the Search Committee’s longlist meeting, selected candidates will be invited to a telephone interview. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to India for a two-day selection process: a virtual Engagement Day on Wednesday 19 November 2025, followed by an in-person Interview Day at the Delhi campus on Thursday 20 November 2025. Candidates must be available for both days.

Further Details

Job Description and Person Specification

Candidate Information Pack

Job details

Seniority level: Director

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Information Technology

Industries: Higher Education

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