Head of Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange

at  Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN BRING A POSITIVE, COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE ALONG WITH THE FOLLOWING:

• Undergraduate qualification / vocational equivalent, or a significant period of employment in a similar role
• Knowledge and experience of research within a higher education context, including REF and KEF, and the relevant funding bodies, their practice and strategic priorities
• An excellent understanding of broader national policy priorities in relation to research and knowledge exchange
• Proven experience in a strategic-level research management or planning role in higher education
• The ability to assess research performance at all levels of institutional organisation, and experience of the management and reporting of research outputs and statistics internally and externally
• Experience of the research cycle, in particular horizon scanning and funder engagement
• Demonstrable experience of setting high standards and determining the quality of service needed to achieve strategic goals
  To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.

• Strategy Development
• Provide leadership, guidance and direction to the knowledge exchange/research strategy, utilising analysis to inform data-driven decisions.
• Development of a professional services plan and activities that support the delivery of a strategic research and knowledge exchange eco-system.
• Working with members of the LSTM Executive to set KPI’s for strategic research and knowledge exchange insights, in addition to outlining and delivering on departmental objectives.
• Research Excellence Framework (REF) & Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)
• To provide professional leadership for the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC) submissions (and all subsequent exercises)
• Work with the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellors to support decision-making in relation to strategies.
• Support the governance and oversight requirements of the REF and KE committees with the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellors, Research Services and Strategic Planning
• Research Pipeline and Intelligence
• To develop the knowledge of funding opportunities relevant to the research at LSTM and bringing new opportunities to the attention of the academics.
• Regular liaison with Heads of the Academic Departments to understand the needs of the academic community and maintain a close appreciation of the Research funding needs at ground level.
• Develop effective Research horizon scanning, intelligence gathering and a strategic funder engagement approach.
• External and Policy Engagement:
• Liaise with Senior Academic staff in representing LSTM at relevant national and international forums related to research and knowledge exchange excellence, sharing best practices, and establishing collaborative networks.
• Contribute and quality assure information/data returns for relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), including developing local processes to gather appropriate information.
• Collaborate with policy-focussed academic staff to support engagement with public policy, provide guidance on formal opportunities for policy engagement and facilitate engagement with policy makers.