Director of Research Strategy in London

In alignment with our institutional vision, the newly established Research Strategy Team at Imperial College London aims to enhance our research ecosystem by fostering a proactive and engaged approach to research strategy development. These positions are central to our ambition of fostering a proactive, strategic approach to research development, enhancing our engagement with funders, and driving innovation through coordinated, high-impact initiatives.

By joining this newly established team, you will provide senior strategic leadership at the heart of our research mission. Working closely with the Vice‑Provost (Research and Enterprise) and senior leaders across the institution, this role will shape Imperial’s positioning across the UK and global research landscape, strengthen strategic partnerships, and enable major funding success. This is a high‑impact leadership role for an individual with deep expertise in research strategy, funding ecosystems and institutional leadership within complex, research‑intensive environments.

What you would be doing:

• Lead the University’s Research Strategy Team and be responsible for the development and delivery of Imperial’s institutional research strategy.
• Ensure Imperial is proactively positioned for emerging opportunities, influential in policy and funder conversations, and equipped with effective systems, governance and partnerships to deliver world‑leading research with global impact.
• Provide authoritative strategic advice on the national and international research landscape to senior leadership and governance bodies.
• Lead horizon scanning, strategic positioning and the coordination of major institutional funding initiatives and bids.
• Cultivate and steward high‑value relationships with key funders, government departments and strategic research partners.
• Oversee Imperial’s strategic research partnerships and major inter‑institutional collaborations.
• Hold institutional responsibility for grant‑awarding functions and oversight of major institutional research investments and devolved funding schemes.
• Provide leadership on socially responsible investment (SRI) engagement related to research, including climate‑aligned frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement in research strategy, performance, governance and impact across the organisation.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team and foster a collaborative, inclusive and enabling research culture.

You will chair and co‑chair senior committees, represent Imperial nationally and internationally, and play a central role in shaping how the institution responds to global challenges and opportunities through research.

What we are looking for:

• A credible and influential leader with extensive senior experience in research strategy or research leadership within or closely connected to a research‑intensive university or comparable organisation.
• A sophisticated understanding of UK and international research funding, policy and partnership landscapes.
• Proven success in influencing funders, government or policy environments and leading institution‑wide initiatives.
• Strong financial and resource management experience, including oversight of large and complex budgets.
• A track record of building and sustaining high‑level strategic partnerships.
• Experience of managing reputational and strategic risk, supported by robust governance and evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Excellent interpersonal, political and communication skills, with the authority to operate at senior executive level.
• A genuine commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration and institutional values.
• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience in a relevant research domain is essential.

What we can offer you:

At Imperial College London, our research addresses some of the world’s most urgent challenges, from climate change and sustainability to health, security and technological advancement. You will join a global community committed to respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity and innovation, and play a defining role in shaping Imperial’s future research success. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Ready to lead research strategy at one of the world’s leading universities? Apply now and help shape the next chapter of Imperial’s global research impact.

This is a full time, open ended position based at South Kensington and White City campus (hybrid). Should you require any further details on the role please contact Emily Roche, Head of Research and Enterprise Strategic Projects.