This new full-time post is available from June 2025 on a permanent basis.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours (minimum 0.8 FTE) or job-sharing arrangements.
This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.
This role may be subject to additional background screening.
The context
The Research Division is a key enabler to the delivery of the University’s Strategy 2030, the Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and generating external research income, by:
• supporting the full research project lifecycle from inception to impact;
• offering research infrastructure support;
• providing leadership for the Exeter Doctoral College;
• delivering joint strategic, policy and planning support to the University and Faculties.
The division consist of four service groups: Doctoral College; Research Services; Research Software and Analytics; and Technical Strategy and Operations.
It is in this context that we are now seeking a Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance. The incoming Head will have a responsibility for overseeing the Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance portfolio, developing capability and skill across the university to ensure we meet and exceed all standards of research integrity, ethics, governance, and compliance.
This is an excellent opportunity to join us as Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance to lead Research Governance across the University, from within the Research Division. In this role you will report to the Assistant Director of Research Finance, Governance and Systems, with a strong link to the Assistant Director of Assurance, Compliance and Risk, who together will ensure you have the support you need to lead on this important agenda.
The role
The post holder will take a leading role in shaping, monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance. They will create and maintain strong networks with Research Services leaders, the DVC for Research and the Compliance and Risk Department to maintain effective oversight, identifying areas of best practice and supporting improvement whenever required.
You will effectively lead a team of specialists with responsibility for research integrity and ethics and compliance and be accountable for their work, ensuring the development of technical competences, skills and behaviours within the team, setting objectives, monitoring performance, and providing support and guidance as appropriate.
Using your extensive experience and expert knowledge in the specialist area of research governance, ethics and compliance, to lead a robust approach to the design of research infrastructure and governance and act as the University lead on key compliance areas. You will lead the Research Governance and Ethics Team developing systems and procedures to effectively support the leadership and strategic research goals. As a member of the University’s Research Division Senior Management Group, you will liaise effectively with other services from within the division, supporting the Director of Research in strategic and operational development and initiatives.
About you
Are you a highly skilled and competent individual with a proven track record of making a difference in research governance. ethics and integrity? Are you practiced developing effective working relationships with colleagues across a University? Perhaps you have implemented a university wide ethics programme and lead on the institutional integrity plan? The post holder will enjoy developing and shaping the portfolio to meet the changing needs of the sector.
What we can offer you
• Opportunity to create a sector leading Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance portfolio;
• Opportunity to build a strong culture for institutional Research Integrity, Ethics and Compliance;
• To be creative and innovative in your area of expertise, maximising resources and creating opportunities to improve.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Benefits
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
Further information
Please contact Steve Popham, Assistant Director of Research Services s.g.popham@exeter.ac.uk or Kate Lindsell, Assistant Director Assurance, Compliance and Risk k.lindsell@exeter.ac.uk
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .