Head of Social Research & Innovation Lead (ALM)

UKRI; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave + holidays

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

Job summary

UKRI’s ESRC Head of Social Research role seeks a leader to steer applicant-led mode investments and high-impact social science projects. You will work closely with senior directors to implement strategy and manage a diverse funding portfolio.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent stakeholder engagement, and a proven track record in guiding research investments, with hybrid working arrangements and a 23-month FTC contract.

Qualifications

• Experience leading sophisticated research and innovation programmes (S&I).
• Strong understanding of social research landscape and impact pathways.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders across academia and sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of ESRC ALM activities.
• Contribute to development and delivery of curiosity-driven research portfolio.
• Lead engagement with cross-UKRI programmes and governance bodies.
• Supervise and develop teams, manage performance, and implement funding strategies.
• Drive innovation in funding processes and evidence-based delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Research portfolio management

Education

Experience in leading research programmes

Tools

Peer review processes

Job description

UKRI’s ESRC Head of Social Research role seeks a leader to steer applicant-led mode investments and high-impact social science projects. You will work closely with senior directors to implement strategy and manage a diverse funding portfolio.

The role requires strong leadership, excellent stakeholder engagement, and a proven track record in guiding research investments, with hybrid working arrangements and a 23-month FTC contract.