Help shape a research environment where people, culture and excellence thrive.
Join us in delivering an inspiring and inclusive research culture that supports researchers at every career stage and promotes responsible, collaborative and impactful research.
About the role
The Research Skills and Culture Officer plays a key role in supporting the University's commitment to a positive, inclusive and sustainable research environment. Working across Research, Partnerships and Innovation and the Doctoral College, you will deliver an integrated programme of researcher development, research culture and responsible research practice initiatives.
You will:
- Work with academic and professional services colleagues to enhance researcher capability, embed a strong research culture, and support the development of safe, ethical and responsible research practices
- Contribute to strategic institutional priorities, helping ensure researchers are equipped to succeed while fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Lead and deliver researcher development and research culture initiatives, providing training, resources and support that enhance the skills, wellbeing and experience of researchers at all career stages.
- Contribute to the implementation of the University's Research Culture Strategy, promoting inclusive, collaborative and supportive research environments aligned with institutional priorities and sector best practice.
- Embed responsible and trusted research practices by supporting training and awareness activities relating to research integrity, ethics, governance, research security, trusted research and responsible international collaboration.
- Build strong partnerships across the University, working with academic and professional services colleagues to identify needs, develop solutions and champion a positive research culture.
- Monitor, evaluate and continuously improve programmes and initiatives, using evidence and stakeholder feedback to demonstrate impact and inform future development.
For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Louise Rea: by email at [email protected]
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting researchers and strengthening research culture.
You will bring:
- Experience of developing, coordinating or delivering programmes, training or initiatives within a research, higher education or professional environment.
- Strong organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The ability to build positive relationships across a diverse range of academic and professional communities.
- Experience of evaluating activities and using evidence to drive improvement.
- An understanding of researcher development, research culture or related strategic agendas.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and fostering an excellent researcher experience.
- Knowledge of research governance, research integrity, trusted research, responsible research practices or the wider UK research policy landscape would be advantageous.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
Previous applicants need not apply
About us
You'll be joining a friendly, supportive and forward-thinking team within Research, Partnerships and Innovation that is committed to helping researchers thrive. We work collaboratively across the University to create opportunities, foster an inclusive research environment and support research excellence.
As we strengthen our focus on research culture, researcher development and research governance, this is an exciting time to join us. You'll work with colleagues who value collaboration, continuous improvement and new ideas, helping to shape initiatives that make a meaningful difference to researchers and the wider research community.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.
We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
- Generous annual leave: 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
- Generous pension scheme
- Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave
- Flexible working
- Retailer discounts
- On-site nursery
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages
