Head of Research Support (G7)

REED Talent Solutions

You will be working within the Research Management & Knowledge Division (RMK) of the Scientific Strategy and Development Directorate in UKHSA’s Science Group. The existing RMK teams are Knowledge & Library Services and the Research Support & Governance Office.

The purpose of this role is to improve population health in England through research facilitation. The emphasis will be on management and administration of UKHSA research. The post holder will lead on the development and implementation of systems for the management and reporting of the UKHSA research portfolio and facilitate the dissemination of UKHSA research information, both throughout the organisation and to external partners.

Locations: National – Flexible working

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.

Job description

The Head of Research Support will be responsible for the following:

• Lead on the development and implementation of an oversight and reporting system for UKHSA research, which provides assurance on the quality of UKHSA research, both within the organisation and to external stakeholders.
• Act as the principle subject matter expert for the implementation and rollout of the Central Research Information System (Pure by Elsevier)
• Lead on the collation of information to measure the progress and compliance of UKHSA’s R&D activities, for dissemination within UKHSA and to stakeholders and external research networks where appropriate.
• Work with the Head of Research Impact on the collation of information to measure the impact of UKHSA’s R&D activities, for dissemination within UKHSA and to stakeholders and external research networks where appropriate.
• Act as the main organisational approver for research applications to external funding organisations.
• Lead, manage and contribute to the development of the internal funding streams supported by the Research Management & Knowledge Division, specifically the PhD studentship scheme and the Research Pump Priming Fund.
• Lead on the development and provision of a governance process for the logging and reporting of scientific publications.
• Manage a rolling programme of assurance reviews of internal research activities undertaken by UKHSA.
• Support the enhanced dissemination of the UKHSA Science Strategy and support the development, review and implementation of UKHSA research in the context of this strategy.
• Lead on the development and provision of a peer review service across UKHSA.
• With the Research Prioritisation Manager, support the development and implementation of the research prioritisation framework as an underpinning framework of UKHSA’s Science Strategy
• Support business planning for the Research Management and Knowledge Division by contributing to the overall departmental business plan.
• Support the development of policies, protocols and guidelines for research oversight and reporting in UKHSA, based on national and international legislation, regulation and guidelines.
• Manage a small team, supporting their development and ensuring their contribution to corporate objectives

Essential Criteria:

• Post graduate degree (e.g. a PhD) in a Science Discipline or equivalent experience, including in research and/or research management
• In depth experience of working across a diverse organisation to support research
• Extensive experience of research management processes and good knowledge of best practice in research oversight and reporting systems
• Understanding of public health research bidding and commissioning processes
• Knowledge of the UK health research environment and experience with working with multiple stakeholders in health research, including knowledge of collaborative research funding programmes
• Experience of managing a small team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with proven presentation and scientific report writing skills
• Able to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including at senior level
• Excellent critical appraisal skills and ability to analyse complex datasets, facts and situations.

Desirable Criteria:

• Member of relevant professional body
• Understanding of the major drivers for public health research
• Experience of provision of scientific secretariat support

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than 1250 words.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and achievements, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria outlined.You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history (this will be used in sifting process and will be scored).

Stage 2: Panel Interview:

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single video interview vis MS Teams.

All applicants that progress to a blended interview will be assessed against a mixture of behaviours, strengths and essential skills.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leading and communicating
• Collaborating and partnering
• Managing a quality service
• Delivering at pace

The Strengths tested during the interview stage will be:

• Enabler
• Analytical
• Collaborative

Essential:

• Post graduate degree (e.g. a PhD) in a Science Discipline or equivalent experience, including in research and/or research management

Desirable:

• Member of relevant professional body

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on Sunday 25th June 2023- unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Shortlist: 30th June

Interviews: w/c 10th & 17th July

Please note these dates could be subject to change