Research Development and Support Manager

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following position

Research Development and Support Manager (Professional 8)

Research Development and Support

Permanent Post

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University. It is proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities and is among the world’s top 2% globally. DCU is known as Ireland’s University of Impact, with a mission to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration with key national and international partners and stakeholders.

DCU has over 20,000 students in five faculties spread across three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area of North Dublin. Thanks to its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the University offers a ‘transformative student experience’ that helps to develop highly sought-after graduates. DCU is currently No. 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate, and for graduate income (CSO).

DCU is a research-intensive University and is home to a number of SFI-funded Research Centres. The University participates in a range of European and international research partnerships. DCU is also the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.

As a ‘People First’ institution, DCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - a University that helps staff and students to thrive. The University is a leader in terms of its work to increase access to education, and is placed in the world’s Top 10 for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Overview of the department

DCU’s current university strategy has set out ambitious goals to further develop research activity, outputs and impact, over the next five years. Over that time we expect to grow PhD numbers by 50%, published outputs by 30% and research income by over 20%. DCU’s Research Support Services are tasked with supporting our academic staff in reaching these goals – by providing high quality professional support for funding applications, by delivering a comprehensive research project administration service, and by managing and technically supporting the core technologies facilities – high-end ‘open access’ research equipment. The unit also provides DCU’s central services in areas such as research metric analysis and research integrity. Research Support Services comprises the following three sub-teams: Research Development and Support, Research Project Administration and Research Infrastructures

Research Development and Support

The mission of the Research Development and Support team is to provide professional support for research across all fields in a proactive, researcher-centric way, in order to facilitate the development and funding of research at DCU and assist in the implementation of DCU’s Research Strategy.

Role Profile

DCU are now seeking to recruit a Research Development and Support Manager. Reporting to the Director of Research Support, the Manager will lead a range of research development and support activities focused on delivering on the University’s research strategy. This position presents an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and enthusiastic individual, with experience of research management to make a significant contribution to the future of DCU through its next stage of development. The successful candidate will be a results-focused individual who can operate effectively within the dynamic research environment of the university, in order to optimise internal support structures to realise the University’s strategic research objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

* Manage the Research Development and Support team in order to effectively deliver a full research application management service to the DCU research community, enabling the university to significantly increase the scale of external funding secured.
* Provide strategic leadership for research development and support initiatives across the university.
* Drive a funder liaison programme which allows for high-level monitoring of developments in funder policy and strategy, and the timely provision of advice to the Director of Research Support in internal policy responses.
* Ensure the effective delivery of pre and post-award research operations and other research administration services while maintaining a balanced workload model for the team.
* Oversee the effective management of all externally funded research contracts.
* Oversee all operations and policy associated with research ethics, research integrity and associated research compliance areas.
* With other senior colleagues, set an exemplary standard in relationship management by providing a strategic interface between stakeholders, funding bodies, researchers and the wider university community.
* Maintain oversight of the implementation of the DCU Research Management Systems to enable research data management and standardised reporting on appropriate strategic targets.
* Effectively contribute as a member of the unit’s Senior Management Team to the overall strategic direction of Research Support Services.
* Be prepared to undertake duties and responsibilities as prioritised by the Director of Research Support.
* The role may change in line with Unit / University requirements and developments. The successful candidate will be expected to show flexibility in line with any changes which may occur.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience Required

Applicants for the Research Development and Support Manager role must hold a primary degree or equivalent (NFQ Level 8) and have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience of working in a research development and support environment in a higher education institution. In addition to the above, it is also desirable that candidates have a Master’s degree or PhD.

Essential Criteria

* Proven track record of strategic planning and team leadership, including experience in managing and motivating staff.
* Demonstrated experience of developing and implementing funding call strategies for medium and large-scale national and international research opportunities
* Demonstrated experience of planning and delivering research development and support initiatives, covering all areas within the research funding lifecycle.
* Proven ability to engage senior level stakeholders both internal and external to the institution
* Knowledge of the national and international research funding landscapes, including current higher education policy and research priorities of government and funding bodies.
* Significant experience of working with research contracts and understanding of associated compliance areas.
* Understanding of research ethics and research integrity aspects, and developing associated codes and policies
* Ability to define work priorities and work flexibly, professionally and effectively while under pressure to meet demanding deadlines.

Essential Training

The postholder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety, Data Protection (GDPR) and all Cyber Security Awareness Training. They will also be expected to engage with DCU training on Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary Scale:

Professional 8 - €93,998.00 - €123,896.00

Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy

Closing date: Friday, 26th July 2024

Additional Information

Please note this role does not meet criteria for a Critical Skills permit as stipulated by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

Pilot Remote Working Policy

DCU is currently operating a pilot remote working policy for staff which consists of 1 day a week and 2 days a week for a period of up to 21 weeks per year. Such weeks are determined by the Head of each Unit in conjunction with HR and will take cognisance of the academic calendar, business needs and the service provision of the particular area. The terms of the pilot remote working policy will apply.

Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:

Fiona Brennan, Director of Research Support, Office of the Vice President for Research, Dublin City University.

Phone: 01 7007011. Email: fiona.brennan@dcu.ie

Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.

Application Procedure:

Please submit your application through the DCU online system. In order to be considered for the role to which you are applying for, you must upload:

Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

Completed application form (blank forms can be downloaded from the Vacancy Detail tab on the menu on the left hand side).

Please note, if all items are not uploaded, the application will be deemed incomplete, and will not be processed.

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer.

In line with the Employment Equality Acts 1998 – 2015, the University is committed to equality of treatment for all those who engage with its recruitment, selection and appointment processes.

The University’s Athena SWAN Bronze Award signifies the University’s commitment to promoting gender equality and addressing any gender pay gaps. Information on a range of university policies aimed at creating a supportive and flexible work environment are available in the DCU Policy Starter Packs