The Role
This is an exciting and high-profile opportunity to join the Research & Innovation team. You will work closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Director of Research & Innovation, interacting with colleagues across all three Faculties of the University and Professional Services in order to oversee the ongoing implementation, monitoring and review of the University Research Strategy and related initiatives.
In order to be successful you should have significant experience gained within a Research -active environment, with a high level of competence of both design and delivery of major strategies within a large organisation. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, your role will interact with a variety of stakeholders across the University and the ability to challenge, reason, and think both strategically and analytically will be imperative to your success in this role.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be addressed to David Hill, Director of Research & Innovation ()
To apply please upload your CV, along with a covering letter, evidencing how your skills and experiences align to the essential criteria as outlined in the person specification of the job description.
Interviews are anticipated to be held late in week commencing 21st September or early week commencing 28th Sept 2025
Key Accountabilities
To lead overall project management of research strategy implementation, working closely with the PVC-R&I and D-R&I. This will include:
1. Acting as Convenor of the Research Strategy Implementation Group (RSIG) with membership including the PVC-R&I, D-R&I, Faculty Deans of Research & Innovation and Heads of Faculty Research
2. Taking a lead role in supporting the implementation of Newcastle University Centres of Research Excellence (NUCoREs) working with relevant academic staff and members of RSIG in order to facilitate the formulation of proposals, subsequent engagement activity and the approval process
3. Overseeing the administration and budget management of the Newcastle University Academic Track (NUAcT) scheme, with line management responsibility for the NUAcT Manager, liaising with the NUAcT Director, NUAcT Board members and People Services as required
4. Overseeing the administration and portfolio management of the Research Culture Action Plan, with line management responsibility for the Research Culture Manager, working closely with the Dean for Culture and Inclusion to provide strategic advice and managerial support
5. Working with the D-R&I on the implementation of a basket of measures relating to the ‘smart support for research’ initiative
6. To lead on internal and external communication relating to implementation of the research strategy and related initiatives, including oversight of web development and social media presence, liaising as appropriate with Corporate Affairs
7. To advise the PVC-R&I and D-R&I, on external research developments and trends which present major strategic opportunities and risks and the potential need to review existing strategies, working in liaison with relevant colleagues including within Research & Innovation and Strategic Planning teams as appropriate
8. To provide relevant evidence and data analysis regarding research performance and risk in order to monitor and support the delivery of the research strategy, liaising with relevant colleagues including Research & Innovation and the Strategic Planning teams as appropriate
9. To provide regular reports for the PVC-R&I, University Executive Board, University Research & Innovation Committee, Research Strategy Implementation Group and other relevant forums regarding progress and performance against Key Performance Indicators
10. To contribute to projects that arise within the PVC-R&I remit, including working closely with D-R&I (regarding external funding opportunities, research policy developments), Business Development & Enterprise (regarding industrial engagement with research), and in liaison with D-R&I supporting teamwork within the University Research and Innovation Committee membership, facilitating links between PVC-R&I and Faculty Deans of Research & Innovation
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
11. Significant experience of working in a research-active environment
12. Experience of design and delivery of a major strategy within a large organisation
13. Experience of evaluating research performance
14. Experience of research administration either with a funding agency or higher education institution
15. Experience as a researcher
16. Skills in use of social media and communication tools
17. Familiarity with standard Office software (Excel, PowerPoint)
18. Financial management skills
Attributes and Behaviour
19. A high level of interpersonal skills including the ability to interact with senior University staff from multiple disciplines
20. Thinking strategically
21. Embracing Change
22. Gathering Information
23. Strong reasoning and analytical skills
24. Excellent organisational and self-organisational skills
25. Strong written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications
26. Graduate or relevant experience
27. Postgraduate degree (desirable)
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28421