The University of Leicester stands as a beacon of research excellence and innovative teaching in the heart of England. Established in 1921 as Leicestershire and Rutland University College, it gained full university status in 1957 and has since become a proud member of the Russell Group, representing the UK's leading research-intensive universities. Jobs at University of Leicester attract ambitious academics, researchers, and professionals eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, from the invention of DNA fingerprinting by Professor Alec Jeffreys in 1984 to pioneering space research launched from its campus in 1957—the first in the UK.
Careers here span faculty positions, research roles, administrative support, and executive leadership, all within a supportive environment that values interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs, professor positions, or research assistant opportunities, the university offers pathways to impact real-world challenges in medicine, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. With over 18,000 students and a global reputation, employment at this institution means joining a community driving societal progress.
The campus in Leicester, a vibrant city blending historic charm with modern amenities, provides an ideal setting for professional growth. Proximity to the National Space Centre and cultural landmarks enhances the appeal for those passionate about academia in the United Kingdom.
Jobs at University of Leicester are diverse, catering to various career stages. Common roles include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, these positions align with standard higher education structures. Explore lecturer jobs or professor jobs for tailored listings. The university frequently posts openings on platforms like jobs.ac.uk, emphasizing its commitment to attracting top global talent.
Securing jobs at University of Leicester demands specific credentials tailored to the role's demands. Here's a breakdown:
Required Academic Qualifications: A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in a relevant field is essential for academic and research posts. For teaching-focused roles, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) or equivalent is often mandatory, ensuring candidates meet UK professional standards for university lecturing.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: The university prioritizes areas like genomic medicine (building on DNA fingerprinting legacy), space and astrophysics (home to the Space Research Centre), diabetes and cardiovascular research, archaeology (world-leading in bioarchaeology), and museum studies. Expertise in interdisciplinary fields, such as AI in healthcare or climate modeling, aligns with strategic themes.
Preferred Experience: A track record of peer-reviewed publications (aim for 10+ for senior roles), grant capture (e.g., from UKRI, Wellcome Trust), and teaching evaluations above 4/5. International collaborations and public engagement enhance applications.
Skills and Competencies: Proficiency in grant writing, data analysis software (e.g., R, Python), excellent communication for lectures and papers, leadership in teams, and commitment to EDI principles. Soft skills like adaptability and mentorship are valued in this dynamic environment.
| Role Type | Key Qualification | Preferred Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Lecturer | PhD + PGCertHE | 3+ years teaching, publications |
| Postdoc | PhD | Lab techniques, project management |
| Professor | PhD, Senior status | Grants >£500k, h-index 20+ |
To clarify key terms for jobs at University of Leicester:
Applying for jobs at University of Leicester follows a structured process designed to assess fit comprehensively:
Actionable Tips: Use keywords from the job description; quantify achievements (e.g., 'Secured £200k grant'); network via conferences; seek feedback on drafts. Prepare for values-based questions on EDI. Resources like free resume templates can polish your materials. International applicants: Highlight visa eligibility early.
University of Leicester champions diversity through robust EDI strategies. It holds a Silver Athena SWAN award across colleges, recognizing efforts to close gender gaps in academia. The Race Equality Charter Bronze award underscores commitments to ethnic minority staff, with initiatives like:
These efforts create an inclusive culture, with staff surveys showing high satisfaction in belonging metrics. The university's EDI team runs unconscious bias training, ensuring fair hiring for jobs at University of Leicester.
Balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being is prioritized at University of Leicester. Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models post-pandemic, allow tailored schedules. Generous annual leave (30+ days), occupational sick pay, and enhanced maternity/paternity provisions support families.
The 108-hectare campus features green spaces, sports facilities (gym, fields, pools), and childcare nurseries. Staff enjoy perks like cycle-to-work schemes, employee assistance programs for mental health, and subsidized dining. Leicester's cultural scene—museums, theaters, festivals—enriches off-campus life, with excellent transport links to London (1 hour by train).
Clubs like staff running groups and academic societies build community. Testimonials highlight a 'supportive, collaborative atmosphere' where innovation thrives alongside recharge opportunities.
With a heritage of Nobel-caliber breakthroughs and modern facilities like the £42m Centre for Medicine, opportunities abound. Salaries competitive (lecturers ~£41k-£51k, professors up to £80k+), plus pension (USS scheme) and relocation support.
Ready to advance? Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice on AcademicJobs.com. Employers can post a job to connect with talent.
Check related insights like employer branding secrets for attracting top academics.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
