TORCH Director; Internal Oxford Professors Only
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The Role of the Director of TORCH
This is an outstanding opportunity for a creative and dynamic senior academic to step up to lead TORCH as it begins on the next chapter of its development as an interdisciplinary research incubator and hub for Knowledge Exchange and Public Engagement with research.
The Director will ensure that TORCH remains closely attuned to the interdisciplinary interests of Oxford’s humanities researchers at every career stage and enables collaborative activity at all levels. Alongside the cultivation of interdisciplinary and international research interests from across the Humanities, the Director will set out the forward strategy for the programme, in line with the vision for the Division, developing annual headline themes, as well as building productive collaborations with external partners. The Director will also be responsible for building opportunities to communicate the impact of innovative research in humanities both externally and across the collegiate University. Working closely with the Academic Champion: Networks and Partnerships, they will nurture a vibrant intellectual home for visiting academics and researchers associated with the Centre – especially early career researchers; and, via the interdisciplinary research that TORCH fosters, encourage public engagement with research and knowledge exchange beyond academia. The role will work closely with the Director of the Humanities Cultural Programme to contribute creatively to the development of an exciting new programme of research-led cultural and public engagement activity as part of the Schwarzman gift.
The Director is a member of the TORCH Management Group, (chaired by Associate Head, Research and Innovation) and attends the Humanities Cultural Programme Steering Group. The Director is a member of the Humanities Division Research Committee, which has oversight of TORCH on behalf of the Divisional Board, and to which the Director reports on activities and strategy. The Director is supported by a dedicated and experienced professional staff, based in TORCH and the Humanities Divisional Office.
The TORCH Director will work with the Head of Division on identifying and supporting relevant fundraising priorities for TORCH.
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree, or equivalent, in the humanities.
Candidate Profile
This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior academic to step up into a leadership position within the Humanities Division and make a significant contribution to the strategic direction of one of the foremost interdisciplinary research centres in the Humanities.
The successful candidate will be able to creatively develop forward-thinking programmes of activities which align with, and contribute to, the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Division. With strong diplomatic skills and good judgement, they will have the ability to manage multiple, complex stakeholder groups, to build productive, collaborative partnerships regionally, nationally and internationally.
The Director reports to the Associate Head, Research and Innovation and is accountable to the Humanities Divisional Board through regular reports to the Humanities Research Committee and to the Head of Division. This appointment is open only to internal applicants and offers a buyout equivalent to 100% of teaching stint. The post is available from Michaelmas Term 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, for two years in the first instance, with an option to extend for a further year.
Terms and conditions
The position is open only to internal candidates. For joint postholders, the appointment would be subject to approval by the postholder’s college.
The following arrangements are offered:
- Teaching buy-out equivalent to 100% of teaching stint (or equivalent support for other academic activities)
- Deferral of sabbatical leave due during the period of office, if not to do so would involve loss of entitlement.
The specific package of support will be agreed between the Head of Division and the office holder.
How to apply
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and covering letter, stating how they meet the criteria for the post and how they would expect to meet the responsibilities of the role. Where applicable, candidates are asked to indicate that their college will support their release from teaching duties.
The curriculum vitae should include qualifications, an up-to-date select list of significant publications, current and planned research activity, and details of two referees (who will be contacted for shortlisted candidates). For applicants who are shortlisted, two letters of reference and one or more interviews will be required.
Applications should be submitted electronically to academic.appointments@humanities.ox.ac.uk by 12 noon on 27 January 2023.
You are welcome to request a preliminary conversation with the Head of Division (Dan Grimley) daniel.grimley@music.ox.ac.uk or the Humanities Division’s Associate Head (Research and Innovation) Abigail Williams abigail.williams@ell.ox.ac.uk
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December 2022
