Professor of Hazard and Risk in the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) Contract type: Fixed-term, part-time (0.33 FTE) for up to 5 years. Working at Durham University A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. As one of the UK's leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it's also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. Our Purpose and Values We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Durham University Page. The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience The Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) is one of ten University Research Institutes at Durham. Working across all 27 academic departments and in collaboration with external partners, the IHRR fosters interdisciplinary research and outreach to address critical challenges related to natural and human-made hazards, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building. We are committed to developing an engaged community of experts dedicated to making a meaningful impact-particularly in vulnerable regions-through strong national and international partnerships, with a particular emphasis on the Global South. We support innovative research and training that informs both policy and practice, working directly with communities, non-governmental organisations, and governments. Central to our mission is collaborating with, and learning from, the widest possible range of stakeholders living with hazard and risk-empowering individuals, strengthening resilience, and improving lives both now and in the future. The IHRR's success lies in our holistic, transdisciplinary approach to complex challenges. We bring together researchers from the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, and we train individuals to engage with and respond proactively to the multifaceted nature of hazard and risk. With 18 years of field-defining research, we are a growing community of researchers and practitioners engaged in a wide array of global projects. The Institute benefits from generous philanthropic funding, which it strategically deploys to advance its objectives and to leverage additional external investment. This post offers an exciting opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of the IHRR, and to world-leading research and outreach-providing exceptional opportunities to advance and embed your career within a dynamic and forward-looking institution. Since its establishment in 2007, the IHRR has made a significant contribution to research at Durham and globally. The Institute is now recognised internationally for its distinctive profile and achievements in this field. In our second decade, we are expanding activities in line with increased research and donor income, guided by the following objectives: • To draw on our global activities and wide stakeholder engagement to make a tangible difference to people living with hazard and risk; • To stimulate and support thought and practice around hazard, risk, and resilience; • To collaborate with governments, communities, and NGOs; • To develop innovative, research-informed solutions through collaborative, participatory methods and deep specialist expertise; • To remain transdisciplinary and responsive, drawing on strengths across the physical and social sciences; • To train individuals to work with complexity and understand the interconnections between hazard, risk, and resilience; • To advance research in hazard, risk, and resilience. To learn more about the IHRR, including our news stories and digital brochure, please visit our web site. Professors (Research) at Durham The University is committed to enabling all of our colleagues to achieve their full potential. We promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment to ensure that all colleagues can thrive. Academic colleagues are supported to publish world-leading and world-changing research in their area of interest in highest impact journals, with a focus on quality rather than quantity. We will fully support your research needs including practical, help such as resources to attend conferences and to fund research activity, as well as a generous research leave policy and a designated mentor. All of our Professors (Research) are encouraged to focus on quality and innovation in their research, but also to provide leadership in the administrative functioning and collegial environment of the Department. We of course value research income, which is a necessary input to drive research outputs and impact. Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of hazard, risk and resilience, with the ability to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University. The University provides a working, research and teaching environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process. Professor of Hazard and Risk in the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR) (0.33 FTE for up to five years) This is a part-time (0.33 FTE), fixed-term post for up to five years, focused on research, research to practice, and outreach in hazard, risk and resilience, particularly in the context of hazards. The successful candidate will demonstrate sustained, significant and outstanding research and leadership in this field, with the ability to provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and academic leadership to the Institute and its associated Durham Departments and other University Research Institutes. The successful candidate will also have had a significant track record of actively translating research into practice, one of the key aims of the IHRR and be expected to actively contribute to the University's values, citizenship, and service. This part time Professor of Hazard and Risk will work closely with the IHRR Director (who will also act as their line manager), the four IHRR Co-Directors, Professors-in-Practice, Manager, and Administrator. Together, they will help shape and implement the IHRR's strategic research, outreach, and continuing professional development (CPD) plans, both short-term (monthly and annual planning) and medium term (five-year plan). The post-holder will play a key role in leading or co-leading research grant proposals and academic publications, drawing on the expertise of staff across the IHRR and other relevant Durham University Research Institutes and Departments, in addition to organisations external to Durham. The University provides a working and teaching environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process. Key responsibilities: The core function of the post is to provide senior and world-leading research leadership and mentorship within the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, delivering and developing its mission of excellence in interdisciplinary research into practice on hazard, risk and resilience at the interface of physical sciences, social sciences and arts and humanities. Pursue research that is world-leading and world-changing in terms of originality, significance and rigour, showing leadership in a research field within and/or beyond the academy which is commensurate with the Institute's continuing emphasis on international excellence. Advise and purse outreach and research activities that actively translates research into practice through the development of successful research project/fellowship proposals in pursuit of suitable national and international funding opportunities to support research and end-user engagement. Enhance the quality of the research environment in the IHRR and associated Durham Departments and Research Institutes, providing leadership of national and international research groups and networks which is recognised at an international level, including mentoring and engagement with early-/mid-/senior-career researchers and PhD students; Communicate research findings and promote engagement with partners and non-academic stakeholders beyond the University, so that research informs wider debates and practices, promoting humanitarian objectives by helping societies to build greater resilience to hazards and risk. Maintain and develop strategic national and international research partnerships in support of the Institute's research themes and, in liaison with the University's International Office and Research and Innovation Services, to promote the University's global aims for internationalisation and impact. Demonstrate leadership and innovation in the design and delivery of high-quality knowledge exchange activities, which might include for example, taught Masters courses and continuing professional development. Help the IHRR Director in how the IHRR encourage equality, diversity and inclusion and respect for diverse opinions. To fully engage in, champion and enhance the values of the IHRR. Carry out such other duties as specified by the IHRR Director. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups. If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application. The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Person Specification The Professor of Hazard and Risk is expected to have an world-leading research record, proven and extensive leadership, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates are expected to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University. Research Candidates will demonstrate world-leading and world-changing research, and leadership in a research field within and/or beyond their institution(s), with research outputs consistently recognised as internationally excellent. Essential Criteria for Research (Grade 10) Qualifications : A good first degree and a PhD in a subject related to hazard, risk and/or resilience in the context of hazards. Research Outputs : Evidence of significant research outputs which are consistently recognised as internationally excellent with some output being evaluated as world class and where their research outputs have had a demonstrable and significant impact in defining their research field and/or the impact of research within society. Candidates are asked to also submit four research papers with their application (as outlined in the How to Apply section below). Candidates may additionally choose to submit evidence such as external peer review of their outputs. Research to Practice Outputs : Evidence of significant research to practice outputs that have had demonstrable impact in government, NGOs or other hazard practitioner communities. Personal Research and Outreach Plan (two pages) : Evidence of an innovative personal five-year research, research to practice, and outreach plan, which supports and enhances the IHRR's research and outreach strategy. Research Leadership : Demonstration of sustained and significant leadership of national/international research groups and networks, with an internationally recognised contribution to the development of research fields, as well as extensive leadership of research groups and/or mentoring of early-/mid-/senior-career researchers and membership and leadership of national/international advisory bodies. PhD Supervision / Early Career Research Development : A significant contribution to the development of PhD programmes and/or groups, including successful recruitment and excellent supervision of PhD students or, for applicants from non-University institutions, the development of training programmes for early-career researchers. Research Impact : Demonstrable and sustained evidence of world leading impact beyond the candidate's institution(s) that is outstanding in its reach and significance. Income Generation : Evidence of leadership of successful collaborative high-quality competitive research projects of a significant scale. Services, Citizenship and Values Candidates will demonstrate sustained citizenship contribution and excellence of leadership in the provision of the administrative and functioning requirements of their institution(s) and/or discipline as well as demonstrating their commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Essential Criteria for Services, Citizenship and Values (Grade 10) 9. Citizenship Contribution : Evidence of outstanding contribution to the collegial work and environment of the Candidate's institution and/or discipline. 10. Leadership : Evidence of outstanding, advanced and sustained contribution to leadership, policy formation and strategic direction at the candidate's institution(s) and/or external disciplinary leadership. 11. Communication : Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to engage with a range of colleagues and across a variety of forums. How to Apply For informal enquiries please contact Professor Bruce Malamud, Director and Wilson Chair of the IHRR, at bruce.malamuddurham.ac.uk. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University. We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site at https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/. Please note that in submitting your application, we will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you're experiencing to e.recruitmentdurham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or 44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process If you have any general queries about the recruitment process, please contact the recruitment team on e.recruitmentdurham.ac.uk. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit the following (please ensure that individual PDFs are not larger than 5 Mb, each document includes your name, and that all documents are PDF): 1. A covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above, including each of the essential criteria, and what you will gain from this role; 2. A two page five-year personal research and outreach plan which aligns and enhances the IHRR's research and outreach strategy. 3. A CV 4. PDFs or (open access) links to four of your most significant pieces of written work that you have been involved with and an explanation of your input: At least two of these should have been published or submitted in the last seven years (since and including 2018); however, work prior to 2018 may be submitted where candidates have had career breaks. Where possible we request that you provide accessible web links to your publications, which the search committee will use to access your work. The online portal contains fields in which to enter each of the web links. In the online application form, when you give the open-access web link to your publication, you will also be given a box to detail your involvement in the publication. Please note there is a 100 line limit in this box. Please note we are unable to access publications behind a paywall. In the event you are unable to provide accessible links to online hosting of your work, publications should be uploaded as PDFs as part of your application in our recruitment system. Your work may be read by colleagues from across the university and evaluated against the current REF criteria. We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. Referees You should provide three academic referees. They should not (if possible) include your PhD supervisor(s). The majority should be from an Institution other than your own. When submitting your application using the online portal, you will have a space to put these three referee names. References will be requested for candidates who have been shortlisted and will be made available to the panel during the interview process. As part of your application, you will be asked whether you give your consent to your references being sought should you be invited to attend an interview. We will only request references where permission has been granted. We would ask that you alert your academic/research referees to this application as soon as possible so that we can quickly obtain references should you be progressed to the long list stage. Please note that it is our usual practice to provide a copy of your CV to your referee. If you do not consent to us sending your CV to your referees or if you do not wish (some or all) of your referees to be approached during the recruitment process; you must clearly indicate this to us at the time of your application. Next Steps All applications will be considered; our usual practice is for colleagues across the Department to read the submitted work of long-listed candidates. Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff and students in the IHRR and associated Departments followed by an interview and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in or around the last two weeks of May 2025. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Applicant Guidance For further guidance on your application please see HERE.