At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance the University's research culture and performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic academic institution focused on innovation and knowledge exchange.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, private medical scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research while making a real impact in academia.
- Qualifications: PhD required with significant research experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 71750 - 71750 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange to join our Academic Development and Research team. This is an exciting opportunity for a research leader to shape and enhance the University's research culture, performance and reputation. Working closely with senior academic colleagues, you will play a key role in driving research excellence, supporting funding growth, strengthening knowledge exchange activity and preparing the University for future Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions.
About the Role
In this role you'll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University's research activity, supporting the delivery of our Research and Scholarship strategy 2027 and ensuring a high-quality research environment across the institution. Reporting to the Director of Academic Development and Research, you'll work closely with academic leaders, research‑active colleagues and external partners to enhance research quality, increase research income, strengthen knowledge exchange activity and support the professional development of researchers across all career stages. Your work will directly contribute to the University's research ambitions by:
- Leading the development and implementation of the University's Research, Scholarship, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange strategy
- Driving a culture of research excellence, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Supporting preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and other research assessment exercises
- Monitoring and improving research performance, outputs, impact and research environment metrics
- Overseeing research governance, ethics processes and regulatory compliance
- Supporting the growth of research funding applications, grant capture and research income
- Developing and supporting research‑active colleagues and early career researchers
- Enhancing doctoral student recruitment, progression and completion outcomes
- Promoting research culture initiatives including seminars, conferences, workshops and knowledge exchange activities
- Building external partnerships and representing the University across the wider research community
- Leading and developing a team responsible for research development, partnerships and knowledge exchange activity
Is this you?
- Doctoral qualification (PhD or equivalent professional doctorate)
- Significant research experience with a strong track record of high-quality publications
- Experience supporting or delivering research strategy within a higher education environment
- Experience of REF, or equivalent research assessment exercises
- Strong understanding of the UK research landscape, including REF, UKRI and Knowledge Exchange Frameworks (KEF)
- Experience of research governance, ethics and compliance requirements
- Experience supporting research funding applications and income generation
- Experience developing and supporting researchers at different career stages
- Strong leadership, stakeholder management and people development skills
Experience of securing external research funding, developing research partnerships, supervising doctoral students and leading interdisciplinary research initiatives would be advantageous. Please note the successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research profile alongside their leadership responsibilities.
Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary of £71,750 we offer:
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts
- Flexible and remote working opportunities
- Support for continued professional and academic development
- Be part of a diverse and inclusive community
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture. We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange employer: Central Law Training
As a leading institution in higher education, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant research culture that empowers our staff to excel. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a diverse community, we offer an environment where innovative ideas thrive and academic ambitions are realised. Join us in shaping the future of research while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like Central Law Training.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like Central Law Training.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at Central Law Training that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at Central Law Training and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Law Training
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at Central Law Training, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show Central Law Training that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At Central Law Training, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
