Networks Facilitation Manager

Research Services

This full-time post is available until 31st July 2027 on a fixed-term basis. The role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working job-sharing arrangements.

Summary of the role

This post will manage the University’s Exeter Research Networks scheme, which is a key commitment of Strategy 2030 and the Research and Impact Strategy 2020-2025.

Background

There are always new research questions to tackle, opportunities to explore and new research groupings to be created. Sometimes funding opportunities highlight the need to mobilise diverse groups of researchers and at other times serendipitous encounters catalyse new collaborations which lead to new emerging areas of research. A new scheme for Research Networks is being launched at the University of Exeter. The purpose of these Exeter Research Networks are to:

• support virtual, agile collective research groupings which can link and mobilise researchers with common areas of interdisciplinary interest.
• nurture inter-College and cross-disciplinary research.
• showcase thematic areas where Exeter has a critical mass, providing support to target ambitious challenge-led funding opportunities.
• develop new challenge-led networks.

We have identified research networks as being vital to creating a dynamic research environment and a research culture which nurtures new and innovative ideas at, and across, the boundaries of disciplines.  They also serve to make the research at Exeter more visible and accessible support deeper global and national partnerships with other universities and organisations.

About you  

You will: 

• Be interested in implementing and shaping a major institutional research and impact strategy.
• Have a keen interest in all areas of research.
• Be excited about building interdisciplinary research communities.
• Be able to influence and be a strong negotiator and communicator.
• Need to be able to make connections between different opportunities and issues and to identify and link the right people from across the university. 
• Have a good understanding of the UK's research and impact funding landscape. 
• Have excellent attention to detail.

What we can offer you

• Significant insight into the development of cross-cutting and institutional research and impact strategies.
• Exposure to senior decision-making processes within a research and impact environment.
• A good overview of how a research community and culture is fostered and shaped.
• The ability to work with researchers from different fields to launch Exeter Research Networks.
• Line management and mentoring experience.
• Insight to a range of thematic research areas across disciplines. 

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment above.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 22,000 students and 5,500 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Lorna Barnes [email protected]