Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager
Location: Cirencester, GL7 6JS
Salary: Grade 8 - £37,099 to £44,262 per annum depending on experience
Hours: Permanent, full-time
Flexible working options considered
The Royal Agricultural University RAU has been at the forefront of agricultural education for over 175 years and is globally renowned for its links with industry and courses that are designed to meet the demands of the changing land-based sector.
The RAU is committed to doing research that makes a difference on the ground, working to address global challenges including climate change, food security, and water resource management. Our vision to achieve a global reputation for excellence and leadership across our teaching, research and engagement is detailed through the Quality objective in our RAU Strategy, with a goal to achieve at least 75% of research outputs being judged as world-leading.
The Role
This is an exciting time for the University; our research portfolio has expanded rapidly over the last five years (currently £3.8M) and continues to grow, and we have taken a strategic decision to embark on a portfolio of knowledge exchange activities, including establishing Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs). We continue to grow from a position of strength; in the Research Excellence Framework in 2021 more than half of our research was commended as world leading and internationally excellent with 52% classed as 3* or 4* and half of the Universitys research publications deemed to be of international quality. In the 2023 Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) we gained the highest aggregate score alongside the Royal Veterinary College in our STEM cluster of 12 small specialist universities, being commended for our graduate start-ups, professional training, and co-authorship with industry of innovation and discovery. Half of our activities were ranked as very high or high engagement with industry and the public sector.
We are also currently embarking on two major projects related to research and KE which will further transform the University to being a research intensive and applied University with research informed teaching. By gaining Research Degree Awarding Powers we will be able to award our own doctoral qualifications, enhancing our research profile nationally and internationally; this project has already implemented several quality improvements across research. Our new £5.8M project to rebuild and re-equip our laboratories and experimental barn will also support both teaching and research.
Our Strategic Initiatives for 2024/25 include Delivering our Research Vision and Establishing an Innovation and Enterprise Ecosystem; this role fundamentally contributes to our Strategy in these areas and the delivery of our vision. The core role of the Research and Knowledge Exchange (KE) Manager will be to autonomously lead research, research consultancy and KE support across the research project lifecycle, as well as leading the establishment of the RAUs portfolio of knowledge transfer activities. This will include making key decisions on the viability of grant resourcing, and finances; contract drafting, review and negotiation; improving the quality and delivery of research and KE support; as well as analysing and reporting to the University Executive on the extensive portfolio of research and KE activities across the University. The role will aid the University to build capacity in research and KE, support governance around research and KE, ensuring a professional and holistic approach to research and KE activities. Underpinning the role will be the need to lead and take the initiative on collating, analysing and managing information; planning and establishing systems and processes; and reviewing and recording information for the effective and efficient delivery of our research and KE activities across the University.
Skills and Qualifications
You will have a sound understanding of the UK higher education research funding system and demonstrable experience of working in a research environment, including managing the research project lifecycle and managing grant applications for large and complex grants (pre- and post- award).
In addition, you will have an excellent understanding and demonstrable experience of the knowledge exchange and impact environment, including experience of developing or the process of developing Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
Strong project management, operational, and organizational skills are required including technical skills to review and draft contracts and agreements. The role will require a high level of stakeholder engagement, both internally and externally, with excellent customer service practices and delivery of quality services, and the drive to delivery business improvements.
Benefits
The RAU is set in beautiful surroundings and offers a range of Staff Benefits including;
- A 35 hour working week
- A generous 30 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts)
- Pension scheme
- Free and guaranteed parking on campus and free shuttle bus from campus to Cirencester town centre
- Discounted catering facilities
- Discounted onsite gym
- Free library services
- Employee assistance programme
- Occupational health and counselling services
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff development opportunities
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the RAU, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Closing date: 17th November 2024
Interviews: 26th or 27th November 2024
The RAU is an equal opportunities employer and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under represented within the RAU at this level
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