Director, International and Interdisciplinary Research

The UK’s seven Research Councils support research and postgraduate training capacity across the science and research base in the UK, and contribute to economic and social well-being in the United Kingdom and around the world. 

Together, they operate as a strategic partnership called Research Councils UK (RCUK), and collaborate on calls for interdisciplinary research.  RCUK facilitates and fosters cross-Council working, and supports the Councils in presenting a single unified voice to a wide range of stakeholders.  It is also a key delivery partner in the £1.5bn Global Challenges Research Fund which supports cutting-edge research which helps address the challenges faced by developing countries. 

RCUK is now looking to appoint a Director for Interdisciplinary and International Research.  This is a new role, and the Director will provide strategic vision and executive leadership for international interdisciplinary programmes, as well as leading the continuing development of GCRF strategy,

of which a substantial amount is to be used as a Collective Fund under the stewardship of this role.   As a leader of RCUK’s international strategy, they will take the lead on RCUK’s work with the EU and European research partners to ensure the best outcome for science and research during and after the UK withdrawal from the EU, and will build and strengthen relationships with a wide range of high level external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have proven experience of leading large research programmes, and will have a highly credible personal track record of international, interdisciplinary or development-related research.  A strategic thinker, they will have a good understanding of interdisciplinary research and a personal interest in research with a development impact.  They will have the interpersonal skills, political nous, and stakeholder management skills to build effective, productive relationships at the highest levels.

The role is offered as a two-year secondment, loan or fixed-term appointment.

For more information, including how to apply, please contact Saxton Bampfylde Ltd, our employment agency advisor, via the APPLY button using reference LXGT, emailLXGT@saxbam.com or telephone +44 (0) 20 7227 0890 (during office hours). 

Applications close at noon on Thursday 20 October, 2016.