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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning for researcher development initiatives and support academic research community.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University is a global institution focused on impactful research and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in researchers' careers while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience, strong project management skills, and excellent communication abilities required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with an international community and contribute to innovative research culture.
The predicted salary is between 37174 - 46735 £ per year.
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Description
Role: Researcher Development Consultant
Grade and Salary: Grade 7, £37,174 – £46,735 per annum
FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday – Friday
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role
The Researcher Development Consultant will lead on the strategic planning and implementation of a wide range of development initiatives and programmes as part of the Research and Researcher Development division. You will be responsible for identifying, prioritising, designing and leading researcher development interventionsaiming to support our academic research community to succeed bya) enhancement of personal, professional and career-related skills and capabilities of researchers/research leaders and b)promotion ofa more supportive, equitable and vibrant research culture forourresearch community.
You will oversee expansion of development provision, and work in collaboration/consultation with colleagues in academic Schools, research institutes, University committees and Professional Services to provide advice and collaborate on new and bespoke development initiatives. By helping to support implementation of the University’s Strategy 2025 and shape Strategy 2035 you will collaborate with colleagues from across the institution and externally toenhance researcher development and research culture at Heriot-Watt University.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop the role of Researcher Development Consultant, engaging closely with Academic Schools, research institutes and professional services’ colleagues on the identification, prioritisation and enhancement of researcher development requirements.
- Enable Heriot-Watt researchers to develop a wide range of skills and capabilities to enhance their personal, professional and career development by overseeing design, delivery and evaluation of researcher development initiatives for the academic research community.
- Support Research Leaders/Principal Investigators to enhance their research capacity, funding success and research management and leadership by expanding relevant academic development activities.
- Promote further visibility, reputation and engagement with research leaders and their research groups through facilitation of academic networks and development of a university-wide, Inaugural Impact Programme.
- Develop further on-line training provision and resources to enhance flexibility, accessibility and efficiency of training for the Heriot-Watt academic community at all campuses, ensuring continual improvement and relevance of the programmes.
- Contribute to the University’s implementation of the ‘Researcher,Concordat e.g. by providing more training and development forEarly Career Researchers/Research Associates on research and career-related topics.
- Build external key contacts and relationships out with Heriot-Watt to develop wider partnerships with other universities on researcher development to share resources, enhance learning and develop networks for Academic Staff. E.g. participate in, and contribute to, national researcher development committees and events (such as those organised by ScotHERD and Universities Scotland).
- Undertake representation on internal committees/fora to facilitate dissemination of policy and best-practice and build working partnerships with senior colleagues from across the University.
- Manage resources and operational staff members to ensure that programmes run efficiently and effectively for the optimum benefit of staff, students and external colleagues.
Essential
Essential & Desirable Criteria
- Educated to first degree level or equivalent, or equivalent practical experience in the workplace.
- Experience of working within a similar environment as outlined above.
- Competent in the use of relevant IT packages
- Proven relevant experience of designing and leading people development projects
- Good knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, statutory and governance applications and turning them into good practice.
- Excellent interpersonal, influencing and presentation skills, able to understand and communicate complex issues effectively.
- Demonstrable excellent customer service.
- Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment.
- Experience of working closely with stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.
- Ability to research, analyse and present complex information effectively with good attention to detail.
- High level organisational skills with the ability to prioritise major developments and to function effectively in a pressured environment.
- Demonstrable professional and proactive approach.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Desirable
- Understanding of research culture
- Professional Qualification or membership of Professional bodies.
- Experience of working in Higher Education, with researchers at all levels (PhD students and academic staff) and in partnership with other internal and external colleagues.
- Ability to manage budgets.
- Knowledge or aptitude for learning to develop digital resources and delivering training online.
- Able to make independent decisions regarding the practicalities of enhancement programme organization.
- Able to conduct analysis, present results and put forward recommendations through the provision of briefings, presentations or written reports and proposals.
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills, flexible and adaptable approach, coupled with the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
Special Factors
- Ability to occasionally work outside of office hours and off campus.
- Interest in working with an international community of researchers.
How To Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Thursday 31st July 2025.
Pleasesubmit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .
Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
About The Team
The Research Engagement Directorate (RED) provides high quality support for the Heriot-Watt research community across three divisions: Research and Researcher Development, Legal, and Policy, Strategy and Impact. Working closely with the Business and Enterprise Directorate, RED works to deliver the Excelling in Research and Enterprise theme of Strategy 2025 and to shape the direction of Strategy 2035.
As a Result Of a Recent Restructuring, The Research And Researcher Development Division Has a Renewed Focus And Remit With Two Teams Who Together Support Researchers From Post-graduate To Professorial Level In An Integrated Way
The Research Futures Hub is a newly established team within the Research and Researcher Development division and it incorporates a Graduate School to support an equitable and high-quality experience for the global community of post-graduate and post-doctoral researchers.
The Research Development team provides support for pre-award research proposal development, working in partnership across Schools to advise and target significant funding opportunities and enhance researchers’ skills and experience to succeed in attracting research grant funding.
Following the restructuring, a vacancy has arisen for a Researcher Development Consultant to join the Research Development Team to lead on strategic researcher development support for mid-senior career researchers. The role will work closely with an existing Researcher Development Consultant within the Research Futures Hub who is responsible for early career researcher (post-graduate and post-doctoral) development.
Current interdisciplinary programmes led by the Research Futures Academy include researcher development programmes for Postgraduate Research Students and Research Staff, as well as a range of continuing professional developmentopportunities for our Academic Staffinvolved in leading researchResearch Futures – Heriot-Watt University (hw.ac.uk).
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Part-time
Job function
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Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
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Industries
Higher Education
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Researcher Development Consultant employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher Development Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of Heriot-Watt University. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the university's culture and expectations for the Researcher Development Consultant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the university's Strategy 2025 and 2035. Understanding these strategic goals will help you align your skills and experiences with their vision, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend relevant workshops or webinars related to researcher development and higher education. This not only enhances your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led development initiatives in the past. Highlighting measurable outcomes from your previous roles can set you apart during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher Development Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter specifically for the Researcher Development Consultant role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles or projects that demonstrate your ability to design and lead development initiatives. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills in enhancing researcher capabilities.
Highlight Interpersonal Skills: Given the collaborative nature of the role, be sure to mention your excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse stakeholders in past positions.
Research the University: Familiarise yourself with Heriot-Watt University's values and strategic goals. Mention how your vision for researcher development aligns with their Strategy 2025 and 2035 in your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Researcher Development Consultant. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in designing and leading development initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Given the collaborative nature of this role, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent interpersonal and influencing skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific challenges related to researcher development. Think about past experiences where you had to adapt quickly or manage multiple priorities.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Diversity
Heriot-Watt University values diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating a supportive and equitable research culture, drawing on any relevant experiences you have in promoting inclusivity in academic settings.
