Director of Research Services

Competitive salary – further detail is available from our recruitment partner, Anderson Quigley.

Aston University is one of the UK’s top 25 universities, with a mission to be the UK’s leading institution for students aspiring to succeed in business and the professions. A new leadership team, led by our Vice-Chancellor Professor Aleks Subic, has developed a bold 2030 strategy which builds on our strengths and supports our ambition to continue to grow and develop our position as a university renowned for science, technology, and enterprise. 

Our response to REF2028 is well underway, and we are seeking a new Director of Research Services. The successful candidate will play a central and strategic operational role in the delivery of the Aston 2030 Strategy in the areas of research and enterprise. They will work across the institution, and engage actively, positively, and constructively with stakeholders, combining strategic perspective, operational acuity, service excellence and inclusive leadership skills to deliver excellent outcomes in research and enterprise in line with Aston 2030 Strategy, including in REF 2028.  

Reporting to the PVC – Research and Enterprise, we are seeking an experienced and progressive leader who can demonstrate substantial leadership of research and innovation in a large and complex environment and experience in managing the Research Excellence Framework institutionally or across a large faculty. Adept at the interpretation of research data, candidates should be able to demonstrate significant experience in managing complex research awards. The chosen candidate will support the further development of our researchers and PhD programmes and bring experience in the commercialisation of research. Capturing, communicating, and supporting impact generation in support of the above activities will be key.  

This is an exciting time to join Aston. Situated in the heart of one of Europe’s most diverse and dynamic cities, Birmingham is a city with confidence and this role has leadership responsibility in elevating our ambition, creating value, leveraging our place as part of Birmingham’s vibrant Innovation Quarter, building digital enterprise and transforming businesses and communities. 

Closing date is midday, Monday 13th November 2023    

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. 

Candidates should note that the successful applicant will require a basic DBS check.