Director of Research Services

Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford

The University of Oxford is seeking a new Director of Research Services. Oxford is a world leader in research, engagement and innovation, and the most successful UK University in securing external funding for research with a research income of £779 million. In REF 2021, Oxford was assessed as having the largest volume of world-leading research amongst UK institutions. The University of Oxford is the UK’s leading institution for the commercialisation of research, having spun out more than 300 companies.

Reporting to the Registrar and working closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Innovation), the postholder will lead – and contribute to the ongoing development of – a key University professional service, whose mission it is to advise and support the research community on all matters relating to research, intellectual property, knowledge exchange and innovation. They will be responsible for the delivery of strategic priorities for research and innovation. Against the backdrop of a recent strategic review of professional services, the Director of Research Services will be responsible for 185 staff delivering outstanding and cost-effective research, innovation and engagement support services to the research community at the University. The postholder will have responsibility for improving research services following the Strategic Review.

The University is seeking an exceptional leader with a strategic mindset and dynamic approach. They will uphold Oxford’s commitment to excellence in this area, whilst thinking innovatively about sustainable growth. They will manage change on a significant scale as they implement a new digital research management system. They will lead and motivate a highly capable team. The ideal candidate will be a strong collaborator capable of building relationships both internally with academic and professional services staff, and externally with research funders, government, sector networks and regulatory bodies.

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