Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange

Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange
We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Head of Research, Innovation & Knowledge Exchange to join our Academic Development and Research team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a research leader to shape and enhance the University's research culture, performance and reputation. Working closely with senior academic colleagues, you will play a key role in driving research excellence, supporting funding growth, strengthening knowledge exchange activity and preparing the University for future Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions.
About the Role
In this role you'll provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the University's research activity, supporting the delivery of our Research and Scholarship strategy 2027 and ensuring a high-quality research environment across the institution.
Reporting to the Director of Academic Development and Research, you'll work closely with academic leaders, research-active colleagues and external partners to enhance research quality, increase research income, strengthen knowledge exchange activity and support the professional development of researchers across all career stages.
Your work will directly contribute to the University's research ambitions by:
Leading the development and implementation of the University's Research, Scholarship, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange strategy

Driving a culture of research excellence, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration

Supporting preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and other research assessment exercises

Monitoring and improving research performance, outputs, impact and research environment metrics

Overseeing research governance, ethics processes and regulatory compliance

Supporting the growth of research funding applications, grant capture and research income

Developing and supporting research-active colleagues and early career researchers

Enhancing doctoral student recruitment, progression and completion outcomes

Promoting research culture initiatives including seminars, conferences, workshops and knowledge exchange activities

Building external partnerships and representing the University across the wider research community

Leading and developing a team responsible for research development, partnerships and knowledge exchange activity

Is this you?
Doctoral qualification (PhD or equivalent professional doctorate)

Significant research experience with a strong track record of high-quality publications

Experience supporting or delivering research strategy within a higher education environment

Experience of REF, or equivalent research assessment exercises

Strong understanding of the UK research landscape, including REF, UKRI and Knowledge Exchange Frameworks (KEF)

Experience of research governance, ethics and compliance requirements

Experience supporting research funding applications and income generation

Experience developing and supporting researchers at different career stages

Strong leadership, stakeholder management and people development skills

Experience of securing external research funding, developing research partnerships, supervising doctoral students and leading interdisciplinary research initiatives would be advantageous. Please note the successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active research profile alongside their leadership responsibilities.
If you would like to see the full Job Description please reach out to [email protected]
Application Deadline
Application Deadline: 5th July 2026 (midnight
Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary of £71,750 we offer:
30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Medical Scheme and Life Assurance

Contributory Pension Scheme

Season Ticket Loans and Student Discounts

Flexible and remote working opportunities

Support for continued professional and academic development

Be part of a diverse and inclusive community

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture
We are committed to ensuring our workforce is reflective of our diverse student population. We actively seek to increase representation across all backgrounds and identities, and we provide support and adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Please note: For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK - if in doubt please visit the following link Employers' right to work checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licensed sponsor.