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- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance research operations and ensure compliance across GCU's research portfolio.
- Company: Join Glasgow Caledonian University, a top modern institution committed to sustainability and social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, family-friendly policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and onsite childcare facilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving real-world change in research and innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in research operations and a passion for leading high-performing teams required.
- Other info: GCU values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates.
The predicted salary is between 57422 - 66537 £ per year.
Location: Glasgow Caledonian University Cowcaddens Road, G4 0BA
Salary: £57,422 – £66,537 per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Position Type: Full Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Advert
Glasgow Caledonian University is recognized as one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-thinking institutions. As a top modern university in Scotland, we excel in education, research, and sustainability, with a strong commitment to social impact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
We are expanding our research and knowledge exchange activities to deliver real-world change locally and globally. This is an exciting time to join us, as we invest in our people, infrastructure, and partnerships to enhance our research profile and engagement with industry, communities, and policymakers.
You will join Research and Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES), a newly established directorate that consolidates expertise from research operations, researcher development, and knowledge exchange. This team supports GCU’s ambitious research and innovation agenda, fostering academic excellence and real-world impact.
As Research Operations Manager, you will lead a dedicated team, shaping and delivering high-quality, customer-focused research operations services. Your role involves working closely with academic and professional colleagues, as well as external partners, to ensure our systems, policies, and processes are future-ready.
This strategic and hands-on role offers the opportunity to influence GCU’s response to a rapidly evolving research landscape. You will oversee preparations for sector-wide exercises, ensure compliance and quality across our research portfolio, and promote continuous improvement. Collaboration, innovation, and service excellence are key to this role, which is central to the operational backbone of research and knowledge exchange at GCU.
We seek a leader with senior-level experience in research operations, a strong understanding of the evolving research landscape, and a passion for leading high-performing teams. The ideal candidate thrives on collaboration, communicates clearly, and maintains a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. If this describes you, we would love to hear from you.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the detailed job description. For an informal chat or more information, contact Dr Alison McIntosh, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, at
As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who align with GCU Values.
GCU holds the Athena SWAN Silver award, recognizing our efforts in promoting gender equality. We are also a Disability Confident \’Committed\’ employer, striving to make our recruitment process inclusive and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available for disabled applicants. Additionally, we are a \’Carer Positive\’ employer, supporting staff with caring responsibilities.
The university offers various benefits, including opportunities for professional development, family-friendly policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and onsite childcare facilities.
Please note that appointments will be made at the first point of the salary scale unless otherwise specified.
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Head of Research Operations (1.0 FTE) employer: Glasgow Caledonian University
Contact Detail:
Glasgow Caledonian University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Operations (1.0 FTE)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Glasgow Caledonian University's research initiatives and their commitment to sustainability. Understanding their strategic goals will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of GCU, especially those in research operations or related fields. They can provide valuable insights into the university's culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've led high-performing teams and improved research operations in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, as they will demonstrate your capability to excel in this strategic position.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Alison McIntosh for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that can help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Operations (1.0 FTE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Research Operations position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your senior-level experience in research operations. Provide specific examples of how you've led teams and contributed to research initiatives, showcasing your understanding of the evolving research landscape.
Align with GCU Values: Demonstrate how your personal values align with Glasgow Caledonian University's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Mention any relevant experiences that reflect these values in your application.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a strong cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your passion for leading high-performing teams and your proactive approach to problem-solving. Make sure to address how you can contribute to GCU's ambitious research agenda.
How to prepare for a job interview at Glasgow Caledonian University
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in research operations. Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to these changes and lead your team effectively in this evolving environment.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous experience in leading high-performing teams. Provide specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation in past roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Emphasise Customer-Focused Services
Demonstrate your understanding of customer-focused research operations. Discuss how you have previously implemented systems or processes that enhance service delivery and meet the needs of academic and professional colleagues.
✨Prepare for Questions on Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your approach to promoting continuous improvement within research operations. Share examples of initiatives you've led that resulted in enhanced compliance and quality across research portfolios.