Rutherford Cross is seeking a high calibre individual to provide an effective and efficient research management service for the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Glasgow. The Research Support Manager is a newly created role which will be an integral part of the Management, Professional & Administrative function. The role holder will provide an effective and financially-orientated research management service to the College in fulfilment of the College’s research strategy. This will include the management, coordination and development of a College Research Management Support team, and ensuring that the academic Principal Investigators are supported with all aspects of the pre- and post-award research management.

The University of Glasgow is an industry leader ranked in the top 1% of universities globally. Established in 1451, Britain’s fourth oldest university currently employs over 6,000 individuals and is home to students from over 140 countries. Carrying a global reputation, it is a member of Britain’s leading Russell Group of universities.

The College of Science and Engineering is made of up seven academic schools, undertaking world leading research. The college generates annual research income in excess of £30m and aims to address fundamental global needs in science and engineering, creating the emerging technologies to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century. The post holder will work as part of the College Research Support team which has a research and commercial business portfolio of nearly £160m across over 900 active research projects.

Job Purpose:

To lead research support and management activities in line with the college’s research strategy, providing an effective service for the college. Manage and develop the College Research Management Support team, in support of academic Principal Investigators across the College during the lifespan of research awards, including pre- and post-award phases. Liaise with the University Services Head of Research Support to ensure that effective communication takes place, underpinning a seamless research support service for academic staff. Contribute to the development of the College Research Strategy in collaboration with the Head of Research Support, Dean of Research and the Research and Knowledge Transfer Committee.

The University of Glasgow represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional and exposes the successful individual to the unique environment of a Higher Education body. In addition, the University will provide a firm career platform with future opportunities for professional development and progression within the organisation.

This opportunity sits in an ambitious research environment closely supporting projects that break new ground in science and engineering, both through fundamental discovery and the development of new technologies that have the potential to change our understanding of the world.

The Opportunity:

• Accountability for the management of the College Research Management Support Office service, including managing budgets
• Take the lead on process management, including the development, implementation and delivery of college research strategy and associated administrative strategy and policy
• Lead, manage, allocate and develop the College Research Management Support team in the provision of pre- and post-award support
• In coordination with College Senior Management, set the criteria for assessment of risk, strategic fit and feasibility for complex projects
• Manage pre- and post-award support for complex and strategic applications and awards in line with college interests
• Provide forward-looking management information and analysis to inform strategic and operational decision-making and recommend action
• Oversee and ensure efficiency in the process of the collation and storage of data by the Project Coordinators
• Proactively network and build relationships within the College and across the University
• Represent the College with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure continuous improvement through the ongoing development and implementation of systems and procedures
• In collaboration with the Dean of Research and other senior colleagues, support the setting of agenda for the Knowledge Transfer Committee
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure the accurate and complete record of staff publications on the University systems

The Candidate:

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline/business area
• Professional qualification in Accounting, Business Management or equivalent. e.g. CA, ACCA, ACMA, MBA is highly advantageous
• Project management experience – short term deadline driven and long term with conflicting deadlines
• Track record of providing high quality advice and project management
• Experience of budget management
• Significant relevant management experience
• Experience of providing high quality management information and informing decision-making
• Experience of working in a customer focused, complex organisation would be desirable
• Proven ability to lead, coach, allocate and develop teams
• High level of influencing and negotiating skills
• Ability to think strategically and provide input to strategic planning process
• Data analysis and presentation skills
• Knowledge and understanding of developing, interrogating and maintaining databases
• Highly developed IT skills, particularly database and Excel
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments

What to do Next

Salary is in the range of £50K - £60K, with a very attractive pension and holiday package. To apply or for further information please contact our consultant Iain Johnston at either [email protected] or 01416117770.