Application Process

There will be a two-stage application process to facilitate a starting date of January 2013. The first stage is specially designed to be ‘light-touch’ and requires the submission of a CV demonstrating the candidate’s track record of research, research leadership and fund raising, together with submission of a Proposal Form and an outline research proposal by 28 September 2012. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full research proposal by 9 November 2012. This will be followed by an interview stage in late November/early December, after which decisions will be announced as soon as possible.

In submitting outline research proposals, applicants should address the following areas:

• Describe the key research themes and objectives they will pursue and demonstrate how their proposed Research Centre will address these over the short, medium and long term, including the benefits they will bring to the institution, and how the proposed research will align or augment existing activities.
• Identify how they will bring together researchers, whether from a particular field or from multi-disciplinary areas, including cross-College where appropriate.
• Demonstrate links to other high profile initiatives and grant awarding bodies, including how it is anticipated that further funding will be found to ensure the long-term viability of the post and its Research Centre beyond the first three years.
• Describe how they will provide intellectual leadership within the chosen research areas.
• Indicate anticipated IT and accommodation/estate requirements where known.
• Highlight existing knowledge of the area within which they will operate.

All applications will be assessed by a panel, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor.

The closing date for outline applications is 12 noon on 28 September 2012. Applications arriving after this time and date will not be accepted, nor will applications from candidates who applied for the previous round of the Research Professors Competition, unless their application has changed substantially. Applications should be emailed to:

• Professor Sir Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor, University of Leicester professorships@le.ac.uk