Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity, R43595
Research Services
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
Our Strategy 2030 aims to use our outstanding education, research and global connections to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future. Our vision is to create a dynamic and innovative research culture where we foster new discoveries, inspire creativity and bring people together to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.
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 consists of four service groups: Doctoral College; Research Services; Research Software and Analytics; and Technical Strategy and Operations.
This is an excellent opportunity to join us as Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity 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 in developing effective working relationships with colleagues across a University? Perhaps you have implemented a university-wide ethics programme and led 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 campuses 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 world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world-leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast-growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.
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.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
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 or Kate Lindsell, Assistant Director Assurance, Compliance and Risk.
Salary wording
The starting salary will be from £49,559 to £66,537 on Grade G, depending on qualifications and experience.
Package Details
Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable).
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