Director of Research - Research England

Job Description: 

Base Location: Bristol – Hybrid Working.

Reports to: Executive Chair, Research England.

Hours: Full Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants).

Closing Date: 23:55 Sunday 6th September 2026.

About Us:

Research England is the strategic funder of research and knowledge exchange in England's universities. Through investment, insight and partnership, it helps create the conditions for excellent research to thrive, supports institutional autonomy, and ensures that research delivers lasting benefits for society, the economy and places across England.

About the Role:

In this role, you will shape the future of UK research through one of the country’s largest research funding portfolios. You will be a trusted adviser at the highest levels of government and UK research leadership, driving system-wide change that creates a lasting public impact!

As the Director of Research, you will provide strategic, intellectual and delivery leadership for Research England’s funding and policy responsibilities. The role ensures that strategic institutional research funding delivers excellence, sustainability and national capability, and that Research England acts as an authoritative and influential system leader within the UK and internationally.

Other aspects of the role will include but are not exhausted to:

• Leading the strategic development and evolution of Research England’s research funding approach ensuring alignment with government priorities, UKRI strategy and the long-term sustainability of the university research base.
• Hold executive accountability for Strategic Institutional Research Funding (c. £2bn p/a), including policy design, allocation frameworks, governance, risk management, and outcomes as well as key drivers of excellence such as integrity, culture and open research.
• Provide senior leadership for RE’s approach to research excellence in research assessment.
• Represent Research England, where appropriate, in senior UKRI, government and sector forums.

About you:

We are looking for someone who can lead high performing teams with significant senior-level experience of developing and leading national or international research policy and/or research programmes. You will have demonstrable experience providing strategic advice on complex research and innovation policy issues with strong influencing and communication skills that allow you to effectively engage with ministers, senior executives and governing bodies. Other key skills and knowledge include having an authoritative understanding of the UK and international research and innovation system, including university research funding. You will also have experience leading large-scale funding programmes and operating effectively within complex governance environments. Strong strategic judgement and strong analytical capability are key for this role, as well as being able to demonstrate visible, values-led and inclusive leadership, leading through influence and shared purpose, while inspiring confidence and resilience in complex and politically sensitive environments.

What we offer:

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning! 

A list of our benefits below:  

• An outstanding defined salary pension scheme. 
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent). 
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities. 
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice. 
• Flexible working options.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 6th September 2026 at 23:55.

Interviews are expected to be held on the first week of October. 

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