Head of Research Strategy and Development

Are you a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for shaping research excellence? Join us as Head of Research Strategy and Development and help drive a bold, globally relevant research agenda that transforms lives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual who brings both strategic vision and innovation to nurture a vibrant, high-performing research ecosystem. You’ll lead on advancing our research strategy, driving excellence, expanding opportunities, and forging impactful partnerships across sectors. It’s a chance to make a significant contribution within a globally recognised, research-intensive institution.

Confident in creating and interpreting research data insights, you will play a key role in supporting evidence-based decision-making and performance monitoring at an institutional level. As both a strategic leader and a hands-on contributor, you’ll work collaboratively to deliver shared team priorities, lead on REF preparation, and ensure the provision of sector-leading research strategy service.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience of developing and implementing institutional research strategies within a higher education or research-intensive setting.
• A deep understanding of UK and global research funding landscapes (e.g. UKRI, NIHR, Wellcome, Gates Foundation).
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach to managing teams and engaging stakeholders.
• Expertise in research intelligence, research assessment (e.g. REF), and knowledge exchange (although a good awareness of the latter will be considered).
• Confidence in generating strategic insight from complex data to support research performance and planning.
• A proactive, hands-on attitude and commitment to delivering high-quality, high-impact outcomes.

(To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.)

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• 30 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days.
• Generous occupational pension schemes.
• Government-backed “cycle to work” scheme.
• Discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre.
• A host of additional family-friendly policies.

Application process:

To apply, please upload your CV and a covering letter via the apply link. Given the volume of applications, we may close vacancies early, so we encourage early applications.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith, social background, age, or disability.

LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. We welcome applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements or returning to employment after a career break.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

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