The University of Dundee’s Research and Innovation Services (RIS) plays a crucial role in the university’s overall strategy and its goals for expanding research and enterprise. RIS serves as a central function, supporting and promoting various aspects of research, economic development, commercialization, and innovation. Collaborating with academic and external stakeholders, RIS works towards the university’s strategic priorities, fostering a research culture where everyone can thrive and contribute to regional, national, and global excellence in research and impact. RIS aims to inform and drive the implementation of enabling strategies for “Research with Impact” and “Enterprise & Engagement.”

As RIS continues to grow, a new Strategic Research Development Unit is being established. This unit will provide strategic intelligence to the university’s research leaders by continuously analyzing the various influences and drivers of research investment, from government policies at different levels to funders’ strategies and global market trends. Additionally, the unit will be responsible for initiating and developing multi-million strategic bids that involve collaboration across different institutions within the university.

There is currently an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Research Development Manager (Global). We are seeking experienced professionals who are proactive, have excellent influencing, analytical, and communication skills, and a proven track record in research development.

Key priorities of the role include:

1. Developing and maintaining close relationships with global funders, international organizations, policy makers, and key university personnel to influence global research strategies and funding opportunities.

2. Identifying areas of significant strength within the university and developing strategic plans for international research funding and investment to support and enhance these areas.

3. Identifying and maximizing potential new strategic international research funding opportunities and streams for the university.

4. Designing and delivering projects that allow the academic community to effectively respond to global strategic opportunities, including building consortia with internal and external stakeholders and developing bids in response to relevant calls.

5. Developing proposals and business cases to secure major international institutional investments for research, thereby enhancing the university’s research capacity.

We are looking for professionals who hold a degree or equivalent qualification, preferably in Science, Engineering, or Medicine. The ideal candidate will be a strategic and creative thinker with a proven ability to identify and pursue new opportunities. Experience in the higher education sector, funding bodies, or a research funding environment is highly desirable. The successful candidate should also have a track record of successfully initiating and supporting the development of strategic collaborations to secure large competitive funding. A comprehensive understanding of the UK and international research and innovation funding landscape is essential, as is experience in developing and negotiating partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency in data sourcing and quantitative and qualitative data analysis is also required. The ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams with academic and professional services staff, as well as external partners, is crucial.

For more information about this position, please contact Josine Opmeer, RIS Assistant Director – Research, at jopmeer001@dundee.ac.uk