Director, Research and Innovation Services

Department: Research and Innovation Services (RIS)

Grade: Competitive Package

Ref: SJ6535

An exciting opportunity to work as the Director, Research and Innovation Services, has arisen at The University of Bath. Reporting directly to the Pro Vice Chancellor Research, the Director is responsible for the strategic advancement and leadership of the research and innovation services and support that position the University for future success in an increasingly competitive funding environment. The Director will provide motivational leadership for the RIS team, providing a clear vision for the department and ensuring the delivery of high-quality professional support for research that will deliver the University's priorities and long-term ambitions.  The person appointed must be able to identify and evaluate new opportunities for externally funded research and IP exploitation, and guide and support academic staff in taking advantage of these. The ability to maintain and develop relationships with research councils, government departments and agencies in the UK and EU, industrial partners, charities and other major national and international research funders is also essential.

About the Department

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) is a vibrant department at the heart of University and the central point for enterprise and research activities. The team consists of over 80 skilled professionals who assist and facilitate academic collaborations, industrial interactions and knowledge transfer; and provide support to academics on research funding streams, preparing bid proposals and negotiating research contracts. They are a key source of expertise and practical help to enable their colleagues to increase research impact through collaboration, knowledge transfer activities and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP).

About The University of Bath

The University of Bath was established by Royal Charter in 1966. Our campus overlooks the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath and offers a welcoming, supportive and inspiring environment for research, study and work. The vibrancy of our campus community springs from a culture of high aspiration, enterprise, creativity and diversity. Our research and teaching activities are focused on our academic strength in Science, Technology, Engineering, Management and the Social Sciences. Within these areas, we have created a virtuous circle of research and teaching excellence and our engaged, agile approach is attuned to the rapidly evolving global agenda. Our research has practical applications with social and economic benefit and is conducted in a true spirit of international and inter-disciplinary cooperation.

We are sector leaders in translating discovery into enhanced practice, policy, design, efficiency and effectiveness. We are a first-choice university for students worldwide, offering a distinctive blend of academic reputation, outstanding graduate employment record, world-class sports facilities, and a full programme of social, cultural, recreational and personal development opportunities. Our partnership ethos underpins our research, our placement networks and our graduate/postgraduate employability.

We are proud of our positive contribution to the vigour of our region’s economy, supporting one in every 17 jobs and accounting for around £300 million to Bath and Northeast Somerset’s GDP. Our Innovation Centre helps to diversify the economic profile of the city by incubating high-yield businesses, and co-ordinating a number of regional networks for advanced technology sectors.

Benefits

We are committed to investing in personal and professional development as well as our infrastructure and environment. In addition to this we offer the following employee benefits:

• 18% employer pension contributions (8% employee contributions)
• 39 days holiday pro-rata, (annual leave, discretionary days and bank holidays)
• A flexible working environment
• Ofsted outstanding rated onsite nursery and childcare vouchers schemes
• Salary exchange scheme (cycle to work)
• Interest-free loans for public transport seasons tickets and motorcycle purchases for commuting
• Onsite private and NHS dentist, onsite medical centre
• Discounted physiotherapy service

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jonathan Knight, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) j.c.knight@bath.ac.uk

To apply, please click here.                        

Closing date: Sunday 07 April 2019.

The University of Bath is an equal opportunities employer and has an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations. To achieve our global aspirations, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.