Senior Manager - Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life

Westfield State University; North East; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a Senior Manager to oversee research development at the Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life. The successful candidate will coordinate partnerships, manage budgets, and support researchers in grant applications. Strong leadership skills and experience in an academic setting are essential. This is a permanent, 0.8 FTE role with some hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior management role within an academic environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven track record of developing partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee research development and coordinate relationships with partners.
• Develop and implement support strategies for researchers.
• Manage budgets and administrative tasks.

Skills

Research development coordination

Strategic planning

Partnership management

Budget management

Event development

Education

Relevant higher education qualification

Job description

The Centre and Role

The Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of technology and society. The Centre's research pursues one of the most urgent questions for contemporary societies: how do we wish to live with and alongside algorithmic technologies? The Centre is funded by a £10 million grant from the , and includes researchers from across the social sciences, sciences, and humanities. Based in Mill Hill Lane in Durham City, UK, the Centre has partners in York, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Duke Universities.

The Senior Manager will be a key member of the Centre's Executive, working closely with the Centre Director and Associate Directors to shape and deliver the Centre's strategic objectives. They will also work with key academic staff in Durham, liaise with the Centre's collaborating partners and international network, and manage the work of the Centre's administrative assistant and communications officer.

They will be responsible for overseeing research development, as well as developing and coordinating the Centre's external relationships in academic, commercial, funding, and policy sectors. The research development aspects of the role will include: coordinating with partner institutions on delivery of research programmes; identifying research funding opportunities and supporting early career researchers in grant applications; working with the Directors on strategic planning; conducting reviews and evaluations; supporting researchers on project planning and delivery; and contributing to the development and promotion of associated training programmes. The postholder will also direct the Centre's external relations activities, including by: developing mutually beneficial national and international partnerships with academic, commercial, policy, and voluntary sector partners to develop research and collaboration opportunities and influence wider policy and funding agendas; working with the Directors to develop an engagement strategy and overseeing its delivery; providing expert advice and support to our researchers; and developing events, activities and relevant training. The programme management aspects of the role include: planning, management and monitoring of budgets; liaising with the Leverhulme Trust on progress and development; managing the work of the Centre administrative assistant; implementing the Centre's strategy for knowledge exchange.

The Senior Manager will work with the Directors of the Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life and key strategic partners to develop and implement a strategy and plan of activity for cross-sector engagement and development of research opportunities. Other key working relationships will include the Centre Management Group, International Advisory and Challenge Board, key colleagues in Research and Innovation Services, as well as the other Leverhulme funded Research Centres.

This role is based in the Leverhulme Centre for Algorithmic Life in Mill Hill Lane, Durham City. There is some flexibility for hybrid-working, but a regular presence on site is necessary for staff supervision, meetings and operational matters. Some travel within the UK and internationally is likely including occasional overnight stays. The post is offered as a permanent, 0.8 FTE post.