Head of Research

at  City Education Group

City Education Group has an established record of delivering high quality learning experiences to students, enabling the achievement of educational and career goals across a broad spectrum of subjects. We are comprised of four distinct colleges across the educational spectrum, from second level through third level, professional and QQI courses, to CPD and English language teaching. For over ten years, CEG has been at the forefront of providing a diverse array of comprehensive training and educational programmes across various innovative delivery methodologies. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, CEG’s offerings encompass a rich variety of courses designed to cater to a broad range of students.
CEG is now seeking a suitable candidate to join our team as Head of Research. The Head of Research will be responsible for developing and implementing a research strategy that aligns with the goals and vision of CEG. This role is critical in fostering an innovative, interdisciplinary research culture, ensuring high-quality research outputs, securing funding where appropriate, and enhancing CEG’s national reputation. The successful candidate will work closely with senior academic leadership, research teams, and external stakeholders to shape the research agenda, support academic staff, and drive impactful, sustainable research initiatives. The Head of Research will play a strategic role in promoting and enabling research in CEG, working closely with the Directors of Quality, Deans of School/Programme Coordinators. They will also need to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the research activities of and within CEG and adjust our research strategy as needed.
The Head of Research will lead a programme of research and development work aligned to CEG’s strategic research plan; overseeing the quality and delivery of programmes and projects; and ensuring that any work achieves a positive impact on policy and practice research. The Head of Research will also be responsible for developing and maintaining CEG’s physical and online library. This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced research leader to shape the future research agenda of a dynamic higher education institution, making a significant contribution to academic excellence and societal impact.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Proven leadership experience in a research-intensive environment, preferably in higher education.
• A publication record in high-impact journals
• Strong strategic and operational leadership abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of national and international research funding landscapes.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, innovative research culture.
• Strong commitment to research ethics, integrity, and quality.
• Ability to engage with external stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and funding bodies.
• Successful track record of working closely with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to multitask, deliver on multiple commitments and prioritise tasks to achieve aims and meet deadlines.

• Chairing the Research and Ethics Committee of CEG.
• Develop and implement CEG’s research strategy, ensuring its alignment with broader academic goals, in consultation with the Directors of Quality and taking due regard of CEG policy.
• Drive research excellence, ensure research quality and integrity, and support continuous improvement across faculties and departments.
• Make recommendations to the CEG Research and Ethics Committee on the formal establishment of research groups/centres and on the proposed activities in research groups or centres.
• Make recommendations regarding the allocation of CEG resources to research.
• Support the development of faculty and staff research capacity, offering mentorship, resources, and training to enhance research skills and capabilities within CEG.
• Assist and advise faculty and staff on the development of research plans.
• Act as a source of information and advice on research issues.
• Promote the dissemination of research outcomes through publications, conferences, public engagement, and partnerships with industry, government, and other sectors.
• Support the Deans of School/Programme Coordinators in the mentoring of staff in relation to their research.
• Ensure that CEG has an active research programme and promote a positive research culture within the group.
• Maintain and develop CEG’s online and physical libraries, ensuring they meet the required needs of the student.
• Represent CEG at relevant external events
• Assist in the maintenance of CEG’s Professional Development Register
  The successful candidate will have key relationships with, but not limited to:
  Director of Quality for Teaching Learning & Assessment, Director of Quality for Academic Affairs, Deans of Schools, Programme Leads/Coordinators, Faculty and academic research staff across all disciplines.