Royce Chief Scientific Officer, Chair in Advanced Materials Full Time

Manchester, Lancashire
Massey University

Job reference: SAE-024537
Salary: Negotiable
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term and Permanent
Division/Team: Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials
Hours Per Week: 35 hours per week
Contract Duration: 60 months

Joint Appointment of:

Chief Scientific Officer, Henry Royce Institute

Chair in Advanced Materials, School of Natural Sciences

The Henry Royce Institute (Royce) is the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation. It brings together world-leading researchers and facilities from across the UK and works closely with industry to help accelerate the translation and commercialisation of fundamental research. Operating as a collaborative partnership, with its hub at the University of Manchester, Royce encompasses the universities of Cambridge, Cranfield, Imperial College London, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, Sheffield, and Strathclyde, plus the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the National Nuclear Laboratory. Royce has now transitioned to full operation, underpinned by ongoing substantive core funding. Its remit is to develop new and existing capabilities, stimulate significant research collaborations, provide foresight on national challenges related to materials innovation, drive technology translation and cement its position as a high-impact, national institute with a strong regional footprint. It will further grow its international profile and engagement and will deepen its relationships with UK Government and the broad research community across academia and industry.

The University of Manchester is recognised globally for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility. The University is a powerhouse of research and discovery: 25 Nobel laureates are among former staff and students, and it was ranked fifth for research power in REF 2021. Manchester made one of the largest and broadest REF submissions in the UK, with 93% of our research activity assessed as ‘world-leading’ (4 ) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3 ). The Faculty of Science and Engineering has a world-class reputation, from splitting the atom to discovering graphene. It has 12,000 students and almost 2,500 staff, and is home to the School of Natural Sciences and School of Engineering. The Department of Materials within the School of Natural Sciences is one of the largest Materials Departments in Europe.

We are seeking an outstanding individual, who will hold both the role of Chief Scientific Officer at Royce and a professorial post at the University of Manchester. They will lead a significant academic research programme and will collaborate effectively across the Royce partner institutions and the University. As well as providing strong direction in terms of research, the appointee will also help to expand industrial and international links.

The successful candidate will bring a first-class reputation in Advanced Materials, demonstrated by international recognition and standing, professional experience and networks beyond academia, and a strong record of R&D. The ability to assimilate, evaluate and interpret scientific findings and advice across the core disciplines of Royce will be essential, as will highly developed communication skills with the ability to adapt to the needs of a diverse range of audiences. We welcome particularly applications from people with an interest in functional materials.

For further information, including details of how to apply, please visit

Applications are invited at your earliest convenience and in any event by no later than close of business on Friday 22 March 2024.

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.