Director of Research & Innovation Services

This is an excellent opportunity to take on the role of Director of Research and Innovation Services (RIS). You will lead the RIS professional team and their services and work closely with, and support, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) to deliver the University of Bath strategy for research, innovation and enterprise. 

About the role

Your role will ensure that RIS contributes fully to the delivery of the University’s strategic aims and objectives, in line with our University Strategy and helps to ensure that we have a positive and supportive research and innovation environment.

The University Strategy has four pillars; one of which is driving high impact research. In particular, we want to deliver high quality-research aligned with its three themes of Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing, and Digital. The University has ambitious plans for improved research income by growing the number of research awards and increasing our success rates and has seen good progress in the last year. We also strive to grow our international, national and civic reputation for research with impact by engaging with key stakeholders and ensuring we support the continued development of a positive research culture within the institution. 

About you

The Director of RIS has an important role in leading the team and ensuring that they interact effectively with both academics and other professional service functions that support research and innovation, such as the Library and the Advancement Office. As well as supporting the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), you will work closely with other colleagues in the Vice-Chancellor’s office such as the Vice-President (Enterprise), Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Doctoral) and will also have strong relationships with the Faculties and School through the Academic Deans and Associate Deans for Research and with senior academic and professional colleagues in the University’s Research Institutes.

You will

• be expected to develop, draw on, and maintain relationships with research councils, government departments and agencies in the UK and EU, industrial partners, charities and the wider third sector and other major national and international research funders. 
• need a strong understanding of the wider external research landscape, which influences research policy in areas such as the research excellence framework, and opportunities for early career researchers and Doctoral training, and the ability to utilise this to support our ongoing drive to increase the quantity, quality and impact of our research and enterprise. 
• need excellent team leadership and motivational skills with a results-orientated approach that develops individuals, teams and services to meet the organisation’s needs in this critical area.

Further information

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) on [email protected],  or Peter Eley, Deputy Director (HR Services) on [email protected]