This is an opportunity for experienced researchers (Senior Lecturer and above) to play a key role in shaping the Institute’s portfolio of activity by co-ordinating ambitious interdisciplinary research endeavours that would not otherwise exist within the more conventional departmental and faculty structures. Theme leads are expected both to lead innovative, large projects in their area and also to connect with and inspire others from across the university to do the same. Successful post-holders will therefore use this opportunity to develop a highly distinct national and international profile for themselves, the Institute, and the wider network of stakeholders working in their area. To help them do so, support is normally provided from the central RSO, the Institute’s dedicated administrative assistant, and access to a shared research development budget.

Theme leads work directly withISF’s Leadership Team to set and deliver the Institute’s strategy – Co-Directors Professor Richard Harper and Dr Emily Spiers and Associate Director Dr Carlos López-Galviz. The Institute also recruits c.10 Fellows annually, who are seconded to work in the Institute for a year and remain affiliated thereafter; there are currently 31 Fellows actively continuing work in Social Futures across campus, with relevant links and activities in all four faculties. Further information about the ISF can be accessed via our website.

Theme leads are appointed for two years in the first instance, and these positions are available to start in the new calendar year January 2022. The post is the equivalent of a day a week, which must be negotiated with the Head of Department.

If you would like to be considered for this post, please send a 2 page CV and a 500 word statement, by 3 December 2021, setting out how you can exert effective intellectual and logistical leadership in either (1) Environmental Social Futures; (2) Material and Digital Futures or (3) Cultural and Creative Futures. Enquiries and applications should be directed to isf@lancaster.ac.uk