Head of Research Strategy and Development
Are you a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for shaping research excellence? Join us as Head of Research Strategy and Development and help drive a bold, globally relevant research agenda that transforms lives.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual who brings both strategic vision and innovation to nurture a vibrant, high-performing research ecosystem. You’ll lead on advancing our research strategy, driving excellence, expanding opportunities, and forging impactful partnerships across sectors. It’s a chance to make a significant contribution within a globally recognised, research-intensive institution.
Confident in creating and interpreting research data insights, you will play a key role in supporting evidence-based decision-making and performance monitoring at an institutional level. As both a strategic leader and a hands-on contributor, you’ll work collaboratively to deliver shared team priorities, lead on REF preparation, and ensure the provision of sector-leading research strategy service.
(To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.)
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Employee assistance programme to support with employee well-being
• High street discounts and cashback offers
• Government-backed cycle to work scheme
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
• Proven experience of developing and implementing institutional research strategies within a higher education or research-intensive setting.
• A deep understanding of UK and global research funding landscapes (e.g. UKRI, NIHR, Wellcome, Gates Foundation).
• Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach to managing teams and engaging stakeholders.
• Expertise in research intelligence, research assessment (e.g. REF), and knowledge exchange (although a good awareness of the latter will be considered).
• Confidence in generating strategic insight from complex data to support research performance and planning.
• A proactive, hands-on attitude and commitment to delivering high-quality, high-impact outcomes.
Shape the future of global health research! At LSTM, our mission is to improve health outcomes in disadvantaged populations worldwide through pioneering research and education. Ranked 2nd in the UK for research impact (REF2021), we translate leading academic research into real-world health solutions – a reflection of the significant difference our work continues to make. We’re not only committed to what we research, but how we do it – collaboratively, innovatively, and with purpose.
Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.
We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.
About LSTM
Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements
LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies