Overview
Trusted Research Partner - Research and Strategy Services - 105670 - Grade 8 at University of Birmingham. Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK. Employment type: Full-time, Permanent. Closing date: 14 October 2025.
Role Summary
The Trusted Research Partner (TRP) will play a leading role in shaping and supporting the University’s approach to research security and compliance. Reporting to the Assistant Director RSSD and working closely with College Hub Leadership Teams, the TRP will provide expert advice on regulatory frameworks including Export Control, the National Security & Investment Act, the Nagoya Protocol and due diligence. This senior post will support the development of policy and practice across RSSD, contribute to institutional training and risk mitigation, and work in partnership with senior academic leaders. The role is suited to candidates with experience in supporting STEM disciplines in a research support or governance setting, and who can engage with scientific content and advise on regulatory considerations in a dynamic, research-intensive environment.
Main duties
* Work with the Assistant Director RSSD and College Hub leadership to shape and embed the University’s internal framework for Trusted Research, including tools and policies to support compliance with Export Control, the Nagoya Protocol, and funder due diligence requirements.
* Act as a key contact for Trusted Research queries—review cases, support referrals to ECJU and RCAT, and draft export licence applications where needed. Provide clear, pragmatic advice on risks and mitigations related to international collaborations, data security, and strategic contracts.
* Lead the review and refinement of processes to ensure policies respond to emerging risks and regulatory changes; liaise with stakeholders to maintain up-to-date guidance and demonstrable compliance.
* Contribute to institution-wide training and guidance to raise awareness of regulatory requirements and support responsible international collaboration.
* Maintain strong working relationships across RSSD and with key services (e.g., Birmingham Global, Legal Services, Development and Alumni Relations); stay connected to legislation and best practice.
* Support development of lightweight tracking and reporting to capture the volume, nature, and outcomes of Trusted Research referrals and contribute to internal papers and briefings.
* Deputise for the Assistant Director RSSD when required, representing the department in meetings and supporting strategic initiatives related to Trusted Research and regulatory compliance.
* Support the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and contribute to an inclusive working culture across RSSD.
* Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the role as required.
Required knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience
* Degree or equivalent professional experience in a research-intensive or regulatory environment.
* Proven experience supporting academic research in governance, compliance or risk management, ideally within STEM disciplines.
* Experience providing senior specialist support on legal compliance and regulatory matters, assessing risk and disseminating expertise to diverse audiences.
* Clear written communication for varied audiences; ability to analyse source material, information and data.
* Authoritative knowledge of geopolitical issues affecting the UK and/or overseas research funding environment.
* Experience engaging with internal and external stakeholders on regulatory and contractual compliance.
* Excellent interpersonal and management skills with experience managing complex processes and engaging with non-direct reports.
* Strong analytical skills to interpret complex qualitative and quantitative information and present concise conclusions.
* Judgement and problem-solving skills to identify improvements and efficiencies across the service area.
* Excellent communication skills with ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders.
* Highly proficient IT skills, including MS Office; ability to quickly learn new software.
* Self-motivation, personal accountability and ability to plan and deliver to deadlines under pressure.
* Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and ability to monitor and evaluate equality legislation, policies and procedures.
* Ability to identify issues affecting protected groups and take appropriate action.
Role context
Roles at this level provide authoritative professional advice and may lead and manage diverse teams and resources. You will resolve problems where solutions are not obvious, exercise significant independent thought, and influence policy through advising on impact and implementation. You will assess impact across your area to ensure alignment with University objectives.
Core competencies / transferable skills
Planning and organising
* Provide professional expertise, manage resources and/or a diverse team.
* Co-ordinate work across different parts of the department/university.
* Lead and manage staff with diverse duties to deliver a successful service.
* Project manage activities to facilitate major changes.
* Develop policy within functional guidelines and contribute to strategic development.
* Be accountable for the quality and professionalism of service delivery and consider longer-term issues.
Problem solving and decision making
* Anticipate, interpret and assess customer needs, identify trends, generate ideas and test innovative solutions.
* Handle significant people management issues such as change programmes.
* Resolve issues through experience and judgement.
Organisational understanding
* Understand your area and how others contribute to the University’s success.
* Understand how the University operates and how academia operates in the UK.
* Encourage and support academic endeavour.
Relationships and communication
* Coach, motivate and develop staff; manage performance and create a motivating environment.
* Influence others to follow a course of action.
* Represent the department at internal and external meetings; network with colleagues in other institutions to share best practice.
Please attach your CV to your application. Informal enquiries to Dr Amelia Petch, a.petch@bham.ac.uk
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to sustainability as part of our strategy. See our website for details.
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