At a Glance
- Tasks: Support interdisciplinary research by coordinating events, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Strathclyde University, a leading international technological institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: 12-month maternity cover with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and contribute to innovative research that changes lives.
- Qualifications: Proactive, organised, and skilled in project coordination and relationship building.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 36636 £ per year.
Salary range: £33,002-£36,636 per annum
FTE: 1.0 (35 hours per week)
Term: Fixed term (12 months)
Closing date: 29 June 2026
Strathclyde is a leading international technological university, inspired by our founder's vision of a 'place of useful learning', and ambitious to make a real difference to the lives of our students, the society we are part of, and the world we share. Research is a key component of our aims to solve key global challenges, and to support the development of innovative advances and productive economies and societies via internationally leading research, teaching, and translational expertise.
The University's Strategic Themes are a Strathclyde community driven initiative, designed to pool our research and knowledge exchange (R&KE) activity into recognisable thematic areas of interdisciplinary expertise. They cover all areas of Strathclyde's R&KE, helping unite colleagues across the university to strengthen interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and impact in line with institutional and funder priorities, as well as external partner and stakeholder needs.
Strategic Themes Structure:
- Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
- Energy
- Health & Wellbeing
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Measurement, Digital & Enabling Technologies
- Environment, Infrastructure & Transport
- People, Place & Policy
We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Strategic Theme and Support Officer to join the Research and Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES) Directorate on a maternity cover basis. This is a varied and dynamic role at the heart of Strathclyde's interdisciplinary research activity. You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Strategic Themes by working closely with Strategic Theme Leads, Network Coordinators, and senior academic and professional services colleagues across the University. You will play a key role in coordinating and enabling a wide range of activity - from events and workshops to communications, reporting and stakeholder engagement. The role is central to ensuring that Strategic Theme activity is well organised, visible, and delivering impact. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working across multiple projects, building relationships, and supporting research and innovation activity that makes a difference.
Strategic Theme Support Officer (Maternity Cover) employer: University of Strathclyde
Strathclyde University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities within a leading international technological university, all while contributing to impactful research that addresses global challenges. Located in the heart of Glasgow, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that encourages interdisciplinary engagement and meaningful contributions to society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Theme Support Officer (Maternity Cover)
✨Dive into Innovation Events
Get yourself noticed by attending innovation and R&D conferences in your area, like the local hackathons or industry networking events. These are great opportunities to connect with key players in the field and potentially uncover temporary roles at companies like University of Strathclyde.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join online platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Slack channels focused on R&D and innovation. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and make your name known—this visibility could lead to temporary gigs or even recommendations from industry peers.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Create a digital portfolio that highlights your previous projects in R&D and innovation management. Include case studies or any innovative solutions you’ve developed—this will not only impress recruiters but make you stand out for temporary roles like the one at University of Strathclyde.
✨Explore Flexible Opportunities on Our Platform
Make sure to check out temporary positions posted directly on our website. We often have fresh opportunities, so applying through us can give you an edge in landing roles that fit your skills in innovation and R&D management.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Theme Support Officer (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Side:In the world of innovation and R&D management, we want to see your creative thinking skills shining through! Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully led or contributed to innovative projects in your CV. Highlight any initiatives where your ideas helped bring a product to market or improved a process.
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your application. Mention situations where you've had to quickly pivot or learn new skills to tackle a problem. This shows we can rely on you to hit the ground running and contribute right away.
Be Specific About Your Impact:Use quantifiable achievements to outline the impact of your work in previous roles. Talk about specific projects you've worked on in R&D, detailing how your management improved outcomes, timeframes, or innovation metrics. Numbers speak volumes and help us understand your contributions better!
Tailor Your Application for Us:When applying, make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for University of Strathclyde. Research what ongoing projects or innovations they are working on and align your skills and experiences with those areas. It shows your interest in the company and the role, and makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Show Your Creative Process
For a temporary role in innovation R&D management, it's crucial to demonstrate how you approach problem-solving and creativity. Be ready to share specific projects or ideas where you've turned a concept into a tangible solution. Think about what tools or methodologies you've used—like design thinking or Agile practices—and be prepared to discuss them!
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Innovation roles often involve the use of specific software or tools for project management and development. Make sure you're familiar with industry-standard programmes, whether that’s project management tools like Trello or Asana, or prototyping software. Brush up on these tools so you can confidently discuss how they enhance your workflow.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary position, showcasing your ability to adapt quickly is key. Be prepared to discuss examples where you’ve had to pivot or alter your approach on short notice. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and adjust your strategies as needed.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect interviews in innovation roles to include scenario-based questions that assess how you’d handle real-life challenges. Think of hypothetical situations related to project delays or team conflicts and how you would address them. Having a couple of these in your back pocket can really demonstrate your critical thinking and leadership skills!