Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise

University Of Aberdeen; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university located in Scotland is seeking a senior leader to drive research, innovation, and commercialization activities. This role involves developing strategies to meet societal and industrial challenges, working closely with stakeholders, and overseeing various academic support functions. The ideal candidate will have degree-level education and extensive experience in a senior position within a complex organization. A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience operating at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally in the HE sector.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of support for research, knowledge exchange, and academic commercialisation.
• Develop and execute Research, Innovation and Enterprise strategies.
• Facilitate interactions with external organisations to grow access to academic expertise.

Education

Degree level education

Job description

We are seeking an inspiring, innovative and commercially minded leader to drive forward the whole lifecycle of research, innovation and commercialisation of our academic activities across the University. In this exciting role, you will work closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders to develop and execute Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RI&E) strategies which meet our commitment to deliver imaginative solutions to societal and industrial challenges.

You will oversee the delivery of end-to-end support for research, knowledge exchange, enterprise and academic commercialisation activities of the university. You will be responsible for working with colleagues across our academic and Professional Services in a collegiate and innovative manner. You will proactively identify and drive new income streams for the University and maximise the societal and economic impact of our research. To support that improvement you will develop key metrics to ensure the ongoing development of the RI&E team and to maintain the University’s competitiveness across research, innovation and enterprise activities.

You will proactively facilitate interactions with external organisations to enable and grow access to the University's academic expertise including research, consultancy and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

You will be educated to degree level and have relevant extensive experience of successfully operating at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally within the HE sector. Further information is detailed within the Further Particulars.

This is a senior appointment in the organisation and a competitive and incentivising remuneration will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Informal enquiries should be made to Fraser Bell, Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules.

Please do not hesitate to contact Natalie Reid, Senior HR Partner for further information.

Job Reference Number: RAI143A

The closing date for the receipt of applications is: 25 January 2026.

The Directorate of Research, Innovation and Enterprise embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.