Assistant Director, Research and Innovation (Maternity Cover)

Scottish Funding Council; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public funding agency in Edinburgh is seeking an experienced Assistant Director for Research and Innovation, to lead its research strategy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in policy development and senior-level stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include supporting the Director, cultivating relationships with institutions and governments, and representing the organization at key events. This role is critical during a transformative period for Scottish R&D.

Qualifications

• Experience of policy development and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
• Knowledge of current research policy issues in Scotland and the UK.
• Good awareness of higher education issues in Scotland.

Responsibilities

• Lead key areas of SFC research strategy.
• Support the Director of Research & Innovation.
• Cultivate links with institutions and governments.
• Produce briefings and reports for senior management.
• Represent SFC in external engagements.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

High-level communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic professional to join our Research and Innovation directorate for up to 12 months from September 2025 to cover the post of Assistant Director, Research and Innovation while the postholder is on maternity leave.For this fixed term post, we also welcome applications for secondment.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the Scottish Funding Council’s research strategy over the next 12 months at a time of significant development and change in the Scottish and UK R&D landscape.

The role provides a unique national vantage point and includes leading engagement with key stakeholders within the Scottish Government, UK Government and UK Research & Innovation as well as across Scottish institutions. You will work flexibly across a broad range of areas from supporting positive research cultures, to developing cases for investment in research, exploring issues of research financial sustainability, and influencing UK R&D policy.

Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Research and Innovation, you will:
1. Lead and be responsible for key areas of SFC research strategy, including but not limited to people & culture, financial sustainability, evidence development and contributions to UK R&D policy.
2. Support the Director of Research & Innovation on specific areas of work related to research strategy, research landscape and financial sustainability, as required.
3. Work closely with colleagues across SFC to develop and monitor SFC’s evidence and narrative to develop how SFC articulates the value of research and feed into internal and Scottish Government budgetary processes.
4. Cultivate and maintain positive working links with institutions, the Scottish Government, UK Government and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) including relationship building with relevant stakeholders.
5. Horizon-scan and provide advice, support and guidance to internal and external Scottish stakeholders, producing briefings, reports and papers as required for SFC senior management and key stakeholders.
6. Represent SFC as required, deputising for the Director where appropriate in external and internal engagements.This may require travel both around Scotland to meet with partners and stakeholders, and in the UK particularly for work with the other funding bodies for research.
7. Support and promote effective working and collaboration across SFC, breaking down organisational silos and facilitating greater project and collaborative work across teams, contributing research & innovation perspectives and input as appropriate.You will manage a team of two people.

Skills, qualifications and experience

Essential
• Experience of policy development, stakeholder engagement and influencing at a senior level within a complex political environment, for example within institutions, national and local governments, agencies or influencing bodies/groups.
• Knowledge and experience of current research policy issues in Scottish and UK contexts, ideally with experience of working in a research or research policy environment.
• A demonstrable understanding of the current Scottish political and Government operating environment.
• Good awareness of higher education issues in Scotland.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively and demonstrate good judgement when analysing and responding to complex issues.
• High-level oral and written communication skills, including experience of representation and negotiation at a senior level.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, experience of management and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• Qualified to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience.