Position Details
Research Strategy & Services
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,485 to £55,295, with potential progression once in post to £62,098
Grade 8
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 23 February 2025
Our offer to you
The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success.
We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and in our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University. Depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Background
The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant city, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking transformational research. Professional Services are integral to these goals, providing exceptional support to our researchers, enhancing the educational experience for students, and ensuring our influence extends regionally, nationally, and globally.
The Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD) is a sector-leading department tasked with propelling the University’s research ambitions. With a focus on driving impactful research outcomes, RSSD plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and vibrant research environment that aligns with the University’s strategic priorities.
Role Summary
The Research Environment & Culture Manager will play a vital role in supporting our vision for a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research environment at the University, benefitting academic staff, postgraduate researchers (PGRs), and Professional Services colleagues who contribute to the research mission.
Working closely with the Assistant Director (RSSD), the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), the Director of the Doctoral School, and College Directors of Research, the postholder will take a proactive approach to improving research culture. A key responsibility will be leading the redevelopment of our Research Leaders Programme, ensuring it equips academic staff with the skills and support they need to thrive.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the research culture at Birmingham, creating a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive environment where researchers at all levels can achieve their full potential.
Main Duties
* Collaborate with senior leadership to develop a cohesive Research Culture Action Plan, delivering measurable improvements aligned with institutional goals.
* Lead the development of the University’s narrative and evidence base for REF People, Culture & Environment submissions.
* Work closely with the Research Environment and Policy Team to ensure alignment with REF requirements and broader institutional objectives.
* Support the redesign and delivery of the Research Leaders Programme in partnership with HR, College Directors of Research, and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment with research culture priorities.
* Convene and lead the Research Culture Community of Practice, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and building momentum for culture-enhancing initiatives.
* Collaborate with the Director of the Doctoral School and College PGR leads to enhance the postgraduate researcher experience, fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment.
* Represent the University in national discussions on research culture, contributing to shaping the sector's future.
* Build strong external networks to benchmark best practices and share the University’s progress.
* Line manage two newly created roles, ensuring their contributions support the University’s research culture goals.
* Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment aligned with the University’s values.
* Oversee the development of internal and external-facing research culture resources, including web pages and case studies, to showcase best practices and achievements.
* Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across research culture initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
* Undertake any additional responsibilities commensurate with the grade.
Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
* Educated to degree level (or equivalent), with empathy for the research process and an understanding of the UK research landscape.
* Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, manage complex projects, and deliver results within agreed timelines.
* Proven experience in strategic planning and delivering initiatives that enhance research culture or equivalent environments.
* Evidence of a high standard of written English, including the ability to critique and help re-draft material effectively.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of REF requirements, including People, Culture & Environment criteria.
* Experience managing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance.
* Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to interact with a range of stakeholders both internal and external to the University.
* Commitment to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Core Competencies
* Strategic Planning and Execution
* Team Leadership and Development
* Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
* Data-Informed Decision Making
* Problem Solving and Innovation
Informal enquiries to Elizabeth Westlake via e.westlake@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviours here.
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