Director of York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI)

Role Description

We are looking for a YESI Director with a strong intellectual and leadership capability, a proven track record in excellent research underpinned by robust financial support and compelling drive to advance research and translational activity in key areas of environmental sustainability research. They will be internationally-recognised in their research field, delivering excellent outputs and attracting and training researchers, including PhD students. They will be expected to develop, manage and maintain productive relationships across multiple departments, disciplines and external partners.

The role is expected to start on 14th September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to speak to their Head of Department before applying and job-share applications will be welcome. 

The mission of the York Environmental Sustainability Institute (YESI) is to foster and deliver world-class collaborative research on environmental sustainability, co-designed with researchers, industry, and policymakers to create meaningful impact. Addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges—such as ensuring food security, tackling climate change, and protecting biodiversity—requires more than just innovation. It demands collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and perspectives. Through our research themes—Food, Water and Waste, Resilient Socio-ecological Systems, and Environment and Health—YESI is driving interdisciplinary solutions to these urgent global issues.

Key responsibilities

The role holder(s) will be required to undertake the duties below:

• To undertake world-leading research and innovation within the broad area of environmental sustainability research and lead the research activities of YESI.
• Lead innovative collaborative research in environmental sustainability research at York.
• Further develop the strategic partnerships with York's other research institutes including ISA, IMRY, YBRI and SEIY.
• To publish articles in world-leading academic journals, and other appropriate forms of dissemination, including national and international conference presentations.
• Ensure that the Institute’s profile is maintained as an international centre of excellence in research and policy in interdisciplinary environmental sustainability research.
• Ensure YESI capitalises on current and future funding opportunities to help deliver an increase in research income for collaborative environmental sustainability research at York.
• Contribute to University committees and initiatives as required in environmental sustainability research.
• Chair YESI management board meetings and provide updates to the YESI Steering Committee.
• Hold overall accountability for the successful running of the Institute.
• To provide leadership for the institute at a faculty level through membership of the Faculty Research Group and contributing to the development and implementation of the faculty research strategy.
• Lead on the development and delivery of the YESI research and innovation strategy.
• Lead the external engagement strategy to support the diversification of funding and investment from external partners.
• Act as the figurehead and ambassador for the Institute and the University, providing a clear contact
• point internally and externally.
• Lead the YESI community in developing interdisciplinary projects and building a portfolio of research funding.
• Lead the research culture of YESI, championing interdisciplinarity, inclusive research and research practice.
• Lead on raising the profile of YESI within and beyond the University to ensure YESI is a gateway institute and connects across disciplines.
• Provide strategic leadership and management including developing and taking responsibility for key performance indicators, chairing management meetings, producing the Annual Research Review report, managing the YESI budget and YESI fellowships schemes.
• Provide support for the ESAY initiative as a core member of the ESAY Leadership Team.

Interview date: 23rd June 2026

Further Details
The Director (or co-Directors) will be bought out from their departmental duties (up to 0.5FTE) for four years, with line management from the Dean or Associate Dean for Research, with an allowance of £4,305 per annum

If you are interested in applying, you are encouraged to make informal enquiries to Prof Andy Dougill (andy.dougill@york.ac.uk) or the Associate Dean for Research Prof Jane Hill (jane.hill@york.ac.uk ).

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as  Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We also encourage applications from women for senior roles. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.