University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s leading academic centres. Their sustained pursuit of academic excellence is built on a long history of world-leading teaching and research within a distinctive collegiate system. For eight centuries the University’s ideas and innovations have shaped the world and their affiliates have won more Nobel Prizes than any other University. Today, the University comprises 150 faculties and departments, together with a central administration and other institutions. The University has an annual income of £2 billion. With capital investment projects across Cambridge and sitting at the centre of a cluster of over 4,300 businesses employing 58,000 people, the University is deeply embedded in, and committed to serving, their local community.

The University is one of the world’s leading research-intensive academic institutions. The Cambridge Research Office (CRO) provides leadership to the community of research professionals responsible for providing  the research services which underpin the research carried out across the University.  Its effectiveness is critical to the University’s continued position in the top 5 Universities worldwide.  The University’s external research income was in excess of £500 million in 2022/23 and its block grant funding for research, capital investment innovation and knowledge exchange was in excess of £170M.

The University is now looking to appoint a new Director of Research Services to lead the CRO. The CRO provides both strategic and operational support.

• Its Director works closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (PVCR) and other senior academic leaders, as well as more broadly across the University, to secure and manage funding from external organisations globally, nationally and regionally.
• The Director will engage with the PVCR and Heads of Schools in determining University’s research strategy and the policies and procedures necessary to support the oversight and development of all aspects of the University’s research activities.
• With the PVCR the post holder has responsibility for the University’s preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and is responsible for the preparation and submission of the University’s REF return.

Strong candidates for the role will bring a track record of successful strategic and operational leadership in a research-related environment, with experience of delivering world-class support services. They will have experience of delivering impact in a complex environment, prioritising and balancing competing demands, and managing and empowering high-performing teams. A sophisticated understanding of the national and international research funding environment and of the operational complexities of the management of research grants and contracts at large scale, will be critical. Practical experience of the development of a REF submission would be desirable. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across the University, will also be key.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Cambridge on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IABSG. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 10th July.