Do you have significant experience and understanding of the enablers and capacities that effective research development can deliver, including effective service delivery design? Can you foster a culture of ambition, agility, and success with academic colleagues?
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic research development leader to join us as Head of Research Development (Arts, Humanities, and EU) to support and implement the University’s Research and Innovation Strategy. In this pivotal role, you will provide professional services leadership to grow our funded research portfolio. You will design and implement a strategic delivery plan, identifying the research development service models required to achieve measurable success.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and deliver a strategic plan for research funding growth, aligned to the disciplines, schools and funders in your remit.
- Horizon-scan funder investments and strategies and carry out pre-competitive analyses to align future opportunities with institutional strengths.
- Lead design and delivery of complex projects and activity aligned with the University’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
- Act as institutional funder specialist as aligned to portfolio, ensuring team is consistently providing expert advice on proposal content to ensure alignment with funding criteria.
What We’re Looking For:
- Someone with excellent knowledge and understanding of funders in Arts and Humanities (including EU), funding opportunities, and advanced knowledge of supporting outcome and impact focused research.
- A proven track record supporting complex, high-value grants (centres, programmes, units, network-plus models)
- An individual who can combine strategic vision with practical delivery, with significant line management experience.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a forward-thinking team driving meaningful change.
- Work in a vibrant, supportive environment where ideas thrive.
- Make a tangible difference in how research benefits society.
For further information and informal enquiries, please contact Louise Stanley at
[email protected]In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:
- Financial contribution to relocation (if eligible)
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on [email protected].
Closing date: 9 September 2026
Interview date: TBC
Ref no: AD2899SXRS
Research and Innovation Services
Salary: Grade 7 / £47,389-£58,226 pa pro rata
Start date: As soon as possible
Full time
Fixed term: Until 26 February 2027, with possibility of extension
