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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver impactful research strategies at the University of Edinburgh.
- Company: Join a world-leading, research-intensive university committed to addressing tomorrow's challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and hybrid working options in a vibrant community.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of innovative research, collaborating with diverse teams to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in research development, policy, or funding within a university environment is essential.
- Other info: Applications close on February 17, 2025; interviews will be held in March 2025.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 76000 £ per year.
Open-Ended (permanent) Contract
We are seeking an ambitious and delivery-focused Head of Research Strategy. This role is integral to the delivery of The University of Edinburgh’s Research & Innovation Strategy 2030. You will bring fresh ideas as well as a track record of delivering successful projects to support the research community. Your background might be in Research Development, Policy or Funding within or with experience of a University environment. We are seeking someone who will inspire their team and build a network across the institution.
Job Description
Head of Research Strategy
Edinburgh Research Office
Grade UE09 £62,098 – £76,398 per annum
Full-time: 35 hours per week
This role is integral to the delivery of The University of Edinburgh’s Research & Innovation Strategy 2030. You will bring fresh ideas as well as a track record of delivering successful projects to support the research community. Your background might be in Research Development, Policy or Funding within or with experience of a University environment. We are seeking someone who will inspire their team and build a network across the institution.
The Opportunity
The role offers a fantastic opportunity to be involved at the heart of the University of Edinburgh’s Research & Innovation Strategy, delivering world-leading research with impact. Reporting to the Director of Research Strategy, Development & Impact, you will manage a team of 5 colleagues. You will work closely with the Vice-Principal, Research & Enterprise to design and produce programmes of work to enable delivery of the Research & Innovation Strategy. The role will suit an individual who is creative, solution-focused and engaged with the research ambition of the University.
Your Skills And Attributes For Success
- An excellent communicator who can engage and influence across a range of stakeholders
- Ability to work across areas and teams, bringing colleagues together in a shared mission
- Experience of designing and delivering projects for the research community
As a valued member of our team you can expect:
- A competitive salary
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives.
The University offers hybrid working; in Edinburgh Research Office we expect colleagues to be on campus for a minimum of team anchor days, team meetings, all-ERO meetings and other in-person meetings and events required in your role.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages .
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 17 February 2025. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews will be held in March 2025.
Edinburgh Research Office
Working in Edinburgh Research Office you will be part of a professional, supportive, and friendly team; at the heart of University research support, working in collaboration with academics and research support professionals across the institution. The breadth of our remit means you will get an overview of research support activity while you build your skills in your specialism. Gaining new knowledge and skills to help you develop in this role and progress in your career is a priority. We offer colleagues a stimulating working environment based on our values of integrity, expertise, community, and collaboration. Our work is fast-paced and intense; you will thrive here if you are motivated, collaborative, and passionate about providing an excellent service to enable our researchers to do amazing work.
The Research Strategy, Development & Impact Directorate
is responsible for ensuring the University is ideally placed to capitalise on strategic opportunities. Drawing on horizon scanning and in collaboration with University and College Leads, they develop, implement and take overall responsibility for the delivery of initiatives in support of the University’s Research and Innovation Strategy. They catalyse and deliver key activities to enhance research development, performance and impact, underpinning Edinburgh’s place at the forefront of the sector. They work externally with key funders and partners in the UK and internationally to amplify Edinburgh’s research connections and influence. Internally they work in partnership with researchers, the Colleges, Edinburgh Innovations, Edinburgh Global, Communications & Marketing and Development & Alumni to ensure a joined-up approach to achieving strategic research and innovation goals.
The Research Strategy Team
are responsible for developing and driving forward a range of strategic research initiatives that align to the successful delivery of the University’s Research and Innovation Strategy. The team work on a portfolio of University-level, strategic projects which include aspects of: research strategy development and delivery, learning and development for research funding, interdisciplinary and mission-led support. All of which is informed by the delivery of horizon scanning, sectoral policy influencing and response as well as an overview of research development.
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
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Head of Research Strategy employer: TN United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with The University of Edinburgh’s Research & Innovation Strategy 2030. Understanding the key goals and initiatives will help you align your experience and ideas with their vision, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Edinburgh Research Office. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your experience in managing teams and delivering successful projects in a university setting. Be prepared to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and project management skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated across departments or with external partners to achieve common goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Research Strategy. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your background in Research Development, Policy, or Funding, especially within a university environment. Provide specific examples of successful projects you have delivered that relate to the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires inspiring a team and building networks, include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you have motivated teams and collaborated across departments to achieve common goals.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the language and values mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the posting to demonstrate your fit for the position and your understanding of the University’s Research & Innovation Strategy.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for the Head of Research Strategy, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the University of Edinburgh's Research & Innovation Strategy 2030. Prepare to discuss innovative ideas and how they can enhance the research community.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Highlight your ability to work across teams and build networks. Be ready to provide examples of past experiences where you successfully brought colleagues together to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role requires engaging with various stakeholders, practice how you would communicate and influence different groups. Think about specific strategies you've used in the past to engage diverse audiences.
✨Discuss Project Delivery Experience
Be prepared to share your track record of designing and delivering successful projects. Focus on outcomes and impacts that align with the goals of the research community, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
