Smith's research specialises in
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and
materials physics. In 1992, Smith returned to England and began his academic career, having been appointed a
lecturer at the
University of Kent. As DVC, he deputised for the Vice-Chancellor of the university when needed, and was in charge of all academic resourcing issues (with a budget of £240 million), of
human resources and of the university's
capital program. He took up the post on 1 January 2012, becoming the university's sixth Vice Chancellor since it was established. He was paid £271,000 in 2012/13 academic year and £281,000 in 2013/14 academic year.
University of Southampton In April 2019, it was announced that Smith would be moving to the
University of Southampton as its next President and Vice-Chancellor. He took up the appointments on 1 October 2019.
External appointments Outside of his university work, Smith has held a number of appointments. In 2012 and 2013, he chaired a review into the content of
A-Levels. From 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015, he was a member of the
Higher Education Funding Council for Wales. , he is the chair of the Board of the
Higher Education Careers Service Unit. He is also currently Chair of
Advance HE's Board of Directors. ==Honours==