Head of Research Cultures

The Opportunity:

The new University Research Cultures Action Plan reflects the University’s commitment to foster an environment in which research, researchers, and those that support them, can thrive. Fostering a positive and inclusive research culture is gaining attention across the sector, and we are committed to enabling positive research cultures within our University. 

This exciting new post is a senior leadership position in the IAD’s Researcher Development team. The post-holder will be responsible for leading and shaping the implementation of the Action Plan and developing our approach to enhancing research cultures across the University community. The post holder will bring research cultures initiatives to life by identifying, initiating and leading on new approaches, building strong collaborative networks across the University and beyond, and implementing solutions to complex challenges in an ever-changing environment. 

The Institute for Academic Development is located in Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town. We are a medium-sized support service department of 45–50 staff based in a modern University complex, just off Holyrood Road. We are just a 5-10 minute walk from the central Waverley train station and Princes Street area, thus have excellent bus and train link access. The role would require travel around the University’s various departments and campuses which are City-wide, and occasional travel beyond Edinburgh.  

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we are open to considering part-time (minimum 0.8FTE), job share, or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice, and ensures fairness. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and wish to particularly encourage applications from women and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, who are underrepresented at this level.

Informal enquiries about the role may be made to IAD Co Director Olivia Eadie Olivia.Eadie@ed.ac.uk 

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Educated to Degree Level – Essential 
• PhD or equivalent - Desirable
• Demonstrable experience in a managerial or leadership role with a collaborative and empowering leadership style
• Expert knowledge of UK Higher Education context, policies and trends 
• In-depth knowledge of research cultures work and a demonstrable commitment to improvement of research environments 
• Experience of successfully leading and delivering strategic and complex projects and programmes 
• Experience of building effective professional relationships and trust with a wide range of stakeholders, including at senior level 

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