At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to support groundbreaking research and manage pre-award activities.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to innovation in health research.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant academic community with excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the research community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in research operations and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 £ per year.
The Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine & Health) leads a research support function within the Research Strategy & Services Division. Reporting to the Assistant Director RSSD, the role involves leading a team of research support professionals to deliver pre‑award research support, including proposal development, budgeting, compliance, and contract negotiation. The incumbent provides visible leadership, fosters collaboration, and develops internal and external networks to position the team as a trusted partner in delivering high‑quality research support.
Main Duties
- Lead a Research Support Team of approximately 25 professionals to manage and prioritise pre‑award research support activities:
- Research development
- Research facilitation and support for proposal drafting, budget preparation and costing
- Compliance with funder terms and conditions; submissions to funder regulatory compliance and trusted research, including due diligence on partners and funders and referrals for export control
- Grant set up
- Negotiation and agreement of research contracts and research‑related agreements
- Ensure timely monitoring and reporting of key performance indicators to senior colleagues, developing innovations to enhance service delivery.
- As a contracts signatory, establish and maintain a negotiating framework covering intellectual property, data protection, publication rights and financial recovery, including industry‑funded contracts, collaboration agreements, material transfer agreements, confidentiality/non‑disclosure agreements, and trials‑specific agreements.
- Provide mentorship for complex research applications and contracts, enabling team members to develop skills.
- Develop and maintain external networks across the Russell Group, professional bodies and wider sector to support best practice and secure influential partnerships.
- Embed a culture of collaboration, data sharing and responsive service to researchers, partners and funders, aligning with the strategic framework.
- Manage HR matters, recruitment, development, retention and performance of staff, and lead EDI initiatives.
- Drive innovative solutions across the Research Strategy & Services Division, embedding best practice and leading change programmes.
- Act as an ambassador for the University, representing values and interests, and deputising for the Deputy Director in high‑level delegations.
Head of Research Operations in Birmingham employer: UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM-10
The College of Medicine and Health offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where the Head of Research Operations will lead a dedicated team in advancing impactful research initiatives. With a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration, and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of healthcare. Located within a prestigious university setting, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with leading experts and establish influential partnerships across the sector.
Contact Details:
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM-10 Recruitment Team
