The CoSTAR National Lab (CSNL) – the central hub of the UK’s £76m national Creative Industries research and innovation infrastructure – is seeking an outstanding Director to guide the next phase of its development. Led by Royal Holloway University of London in partnership with University of Surrey, Abertay University, and the National Film and Television School, CSNL brings together a world-class applied research community and will open a major converged studio facility at Pinewood Studios in 2026. Alongside its academic partners, CSNL works closely with major industry collaborators including BT, Disguise and Pinewood Studios, with additional global partnerships continuing to grow.

The Director of CSNL will provide the strategic leadership, long-term vision and authoritative voice required to ensure the Lab fulfils its national remit. They will articulate and deliver a compelling direction for CoSTAR, positioning applied research as a driver of growth across the UK’s screen, performance and wider creative sectors. As Principal Investigator of the UKRI–AHRC award, the Director will represent CSNL at the highest levels across government, industry, academia and funding bodies, ensuring the Lab remains a key pillar of the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem.

We are seeking a highly regarded leader with a distinguished record in creative industries R&D or innovation, capable of influencing and engaging effectively at senior levels across the sector. Candidates should bring a deep understanding of research-industry translation, the dynamics of the UK Creative Industries and the future of creative technology. Experience in major partnership development, programme delivery, organisational leadership and the successful pursuit of significant public or private investment will be essential. This role requires clarity of vision, strategic acumen, and the presence to represent a national infrastructure with authority and ambition.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the CoSTAR National Lab on this appointment. For further information about the role please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IXFK. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com.  The closing date for applications is 23 March 2026.

Applications should be uploaded here: https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=0126-030