Head of Research Operations and Excellence

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Head of Research Operations and Excellence - UOD2414

University of Dundee

• Innovation and Operations

Location: Dundee

Salary: 59,966 to 67,468 per annum Grade 9

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 28th September 2026

Closes: 25th October 2026

Job Ref: 7122

We are seeking a highly experienced, driven and well-connected professional to, lead and manage our Research Operations and Excellence team. The Research Operations and Excellence team sits within the Research & Innovation Operations (RIO) Hub, which forms a key component in the delivery of the University's Research and Innovation strategy. RIO fulfils a critical function, facilitating and mobilising all aspects of research, impact, commercialisation and innovation across our academic community and external stakeholders. Working in partnership we deliver the University and Faculties' strategic priorities creating an inclusive and diverse research culture where everyone can thrive, excel, and contribute to grow our excellence in research, innovation, and impact.

Your priorities will include:

• Lead, co-ordinate and provide direction for the new Research Operations and Excellence team, ensuring that all work and initiatives are managed effectively and efficiently.
• Line manage, mentor and develop a team who deliver support across the research lifecycle from scoping funding opportunities, bid development and grant capture to improving research culture, excellence and impact.
• Provide leadership across support for research excellence, policy, compliance, culture and governance, empowering staff who can work independently as well as collaboratively across a range of relevant topics.
• Put in place processes and policies that ensure that all team initiatives and activities are managed effectively and efficiently through the provision of continuous high quality and comprehensive support and guidance.

Who we re looking for:

• A professional qualified to at least degree level or equivalent experience working within the Higher Education sector.
• Significant knowledge, understanding and awareness of the national research policy environment and agendas in higher education. This includes well-developed understanding of the priorities and motivations of the relevant policies, as well as an awareness of broader future developments and the implications of these for the university.
• Extensive knowledge of broad range of performance indicators in relation to research and impact in the HEI context, including REF and its successor.
• Authoritative knowledge and understanding of research leadership and management best practices.

We are one of the UK s leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact

Rebecca Leiper

(r.f.leiper@dundee.ac.uk)

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.