Associate Director (Strategy & Operations)

About the role:

An exciting opportunity to contribute towards the leadership of Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI), helping to develop Imperial’s early career researchers and to contribute to the university’s strategy.

This post is the most senior Professional Services post in the department, and a member of the department’s 5-person Management Group.

The Associate Director (Strategy and Operations) provides expert and specialist knowledge to support the development and delivery of ECRI’s strategy and takes a lead in all aspects of operational management of ECRI.

The overall mission of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) is to attract, develop, empower and advocate for the next generation of outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Business (STEMB) research talent.  

Established in October 2024, ECRI brought together the former Graduate School and Postdoc and Fellows Development Centre forming a single institute for the support of all early career researchers (postgraduate research degree students through to Postdocs and Fellows) and those who support them.

Within the organisational structure of Imperial, ECRI reports to the University Research and Enterprise Board, chaired by the Vice Provost (Research & Enterprise), Professor Mary Ryan.  ECRI is led by the Director, Professor George Constantinides, who is supported by Deputy Academic Directors and two Associate Directors. 

There are two staff teams who work in partnership to deliver ECRI’s provision. These are the Learning and Development Team, responsible for delivering outstanding facilitated learning and development opportunities and support to ECRI stakeholders, and the ECRI Administration Team, responsible for delivering an excellent operational service.    

Within the wider context of Imperial’s Strategy, Science for Humanity, ECRI is one of the core strategic projects. Science for Humanity explains that staff and research students will be offered facilitated learning and development opportunities in how to work within and lead high-performing, and increasingly multi-site and multinational teams.  It also states that there will be opportunities which support increasingly nonlinear career pathways, as well as operational, finance and risk management skills training, helping to develop our internal community, and positioning Imperial externally as thought leaders in this space.

ECRI’s inaugural strategic plan sets out six key aims where we believe ECRI can make a real difference to the experience of Imperial’s early career researchers (ECRs) and contribute towards the development of the research ecosystem at Imperial.

Read more about ECRI’s inaugural strategy here

What you would be doing:

You will play a key role in leading the implementation of ECRI’s inaugural strategy and strategy implementation plan and in developing future iterations of the strategy. You will also play a key role in developing ECRI staff and leading on the quality assurance and governance of ECRI.   

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an experienced higher education professional who has extensive knowledge of the issues affecting early career researchers with the ability to lead a diverse team comprising individuals who are themselves experts in their respective fields. 

We expect all applicants to champion the Imperial Values. Applicants from under-represented groups are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments will be available for applicants with disabilities.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an in-person pre-interview conversation on 02 July 2025 followed by an in-person interview on the 08 July 2025. 

This is a full-time, open-ended post.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Professor George Constantinides, Director of ECRI: g.constantinides@imperial.ac.uk