Head of Research Operations (1.0 FTE)

Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Scotland is seeking a Research Operations Manager to lead a team in delivering customer-focused research operations services. The ideal candidate will have senior-level experience and a strong understanding of the research landscape, focusing on collaboration and continuous improvement. This permanent full-time role offers a salary of £57,422 - £66,537 per year and various professional development benefits.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Family-friendly policies

Cycle-to-work schemes

Onsite childcare facilities

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in research operations.
• Strong understanding of the evolving research landscape.
• Passion for leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated team shaping high-quality research operations services.
• Ensure compliance and quality across the research portfolio.
• Promote continuous improvement and collaborate with external partners.

Skills

Leadership in research operations

Collaboration

Clear communication

Proactive problem-solving

Job description

Location: Glasgow Caledonian University Cowcaddens Road, G4 0BA

Salary: £57,422 - £66,537 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Position Type: Full Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Advert

Glasgow Caledonian University is recognized as one of the UK’s most dynamic and forward-thinking institutions. As a top modern university in Scotland, we excel in education, research, and sustainability, with a strong commitment to social impact and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We are expanding our research and knowledge exchange activities to deliver real-world change locally and globally. This is an exciting time to join us, as we invest in our people, infrastructure, and partnerships to enhance our research profile and engagement with industry, communities, and policymakers.

You will join Research and Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES), a newly established directorate that consolidates expertise from research operations, researcher development, and knowledge exchange. This team supports GCU’s ambitious research and innovation agenda, fostering academic excellence and real-world impact.

As Research Operations Manager, you will lead a dedicated team, shaping and delivering high-quality, customer-focused research operations services. Your role involves working closely with academic and professional colleagues, as well as external partners, to ensure our systems, policies, and processes are future-ready.

This strategic and hands-on role offers the opportunity to influence GCU’s response to a rapidly evolving research landscape. You will oversee preparations for sector-wide exercises, ensure compliance and quality across our research portfolio, and promote continuous improvement. Collaboration, innovation, and service excellence are key to this role, which is central to the operational backbone of research and knowledge exchange at GCU.

We seek a leader with senior-level experience in research operations, a strong understanding of the evolving research landscape, and a passion for leading high-performing teams. The ideal candidate thrives on collaboration, communicates clearly, and maintains a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. If this describes you, we would love to hear from you.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the detailed job description. For an informal chat or more information, contact Dr Alison McIntosh, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, at [e-mail].

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who align with GCU Values.

GCU holds the Athena SWAN Silver award, recognizing our efforts in promoting gender equality. We are also a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, striving to make our recruitment process inclusive and accessible, with reasonable adjustments available for disabled applicants. Additionally, we are a 'Carer Positive' employer, supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

The university offers various benefits, including opportunities for professional development, family-friendly policies, cycle-to-work schemes, and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that appointments will be made at the first point of the salary scale unless otherwise specified.