The Avantha Chair is a prestigious position responsible for advancing the India Institute’s goal of being a leading international centre for the study of contemporary India.
The appointee will bring an exceptional research profile able to nurture the interdisciplinary ethos of the Institute and will be committed to high-quality education and student experience.
In addition, it is expected the Chair will engage with a range of external partners and expand the reach of the India Institute, nationally and internationally.
The postholder will actively contribute to the ongoing strategy and direction of the India Institute to ensure an environment that facilitates development, collaboration and the production of an impactful exchange of knowledge.
It is also expected that the postholder will have further ambitions for leadership, with the potential opportunity to take up the Directorship of the Institute in the future.
Key responsibilities and objectives
To undertake internationally-leading research consistent with the Institute’s and Faculty’s research strategy
To provide effective academic leadership and vision for growth of the India Institute
To engage in public and policy debate, advice and influence
To play a leading role in ensuring the development of degree programmes and the excellence of the education provided in the India Institute and wider cluster of Global Institutes
To participate fully in teaching, assessment and examination processes, including student supervision, at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels
To make a major contribution to leadership and senior management within the Global Institutes, School of Global Affairs and Faculty; this may include serving as the Director of the India Institute in due course
To take a leading role in furthering the Institute’s strategic aims in terms of research, education, impact and influence
To take a lead in the development of new research on contemporary India, seeking to ensure that research makes widely acknowledged and significant contributions to the chosen field
To bring significant external research grant funding to the Institute, enabling the establishment of new posts
To represent, as required, the Institute’s interests in the formulation of Faculty and University policy
To work with the Executive Dean of Faculty, Head of School and Institute Director, and other managers and staff to ensure that the activities of the Institute are delivered in an efficient and appropriate manner
To provide support and mentorship to junior staff
To engage in professional development as appropriate
To undertake any other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Institute Director, Head of School or Executive Dean of Faculty.
