Head of Research Operations (College of Medicine and Health)
Post title: Head of Research Operations
College/Budget Centre: Research Strategy & Services Division
Terms and Conditions: Administrative and Other Related Academic staff
Job Family Framework: Managerial
Grade: Grade 9
Salary Range: £58,225 – £67,468 (potential up to £73,708)
Role Summary
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.
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