Head of Research Office

About the position   

The Centre is seeking a Head of Research Office to lead its fast-growing team of passionate and enthusiastic research support professionals. The Head of Research Office will lead the Research Office team at CYENS, overseeing its operations and driving the development of high-quality, impactful research support services. This role involves strategic collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, management of research funding opportunities, and active representation of CYENS in research-related networks and events. 

Main duties Responsibilities  

• To lead the Research Office Team based in the Research Department of CYENS.
• To manage the operation and organization of the Research Office.
• To participate in the selection of new staff and arrange that the staff receives the necessary training over time.
• To provide professional insight and team leadership for the development and provision of user-focused research services including proposal preparation, project management and other related services.
• To create, maintain and expand relationships with all possible research collaborators and strategic partners of CYENS.
• To represent CYENS at conferences, brokerage, networking and other RIF and EU related events and promote research and proposal collaborations to maximize collaboration and other opportunities.
• Work with colleagues to identify and secure sources of income including through proactive approaches to funders and partners, responding to tenders and calls for proposals, and through the development of products and services.
• Keep up to date with key developments in policy, research and practice on learning, skills and employment; and on innovations in research and evaluation methods and tools.
• Proactively provide advice, support and guidance to colleagues across CYENS in order to improve the quality and impact of our research, working closely with other Heads and with the Senior Management Team.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to communicate and promote CYENS research and to identify opportunities for research and evidence to influence policy and practice across CYENS research activities.

• Contribute a positive, open and collaborative leadership style to the organization, operating in line with CYENS core values and the Code of Conduct.
• Support the governance of the organization, including by producing or contributing to reports and presentations for the Centre Board or outsiders on research project outcomes and research project status.

Skills 

• Excellent quantitative and/or qualitative research skills.
• Ability to review and critically appraise data and empirical literature.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences, stakeholders, funders and partners.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills, including programme, resource and performance management.
• Ability to design, develop and utilize appropriate methods and tools to support high quality research.
• Strong people management skills, including developing and motivating direct reports, colleagues, and consultants.
• Ability to work under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Proven skills in writing for and speaking to a range of audiences to ensure impact, and in using different channels and media.

Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge 

1. Master’s Degree in a field related to the Centre’s expertise and/or Business Administration. 
2. A PhD will be considered an advantage
3. A knowledge of engineering and scientific areas relevant to CYENS 
4. Academic research experience as well as 5+ years of research management experience are key as well as experience working with industry and/or local government. Experience as a Coordinator of Research Project(s) is considered and advantage
5. Track record in effective preparation of technical or scientific reports and publications

1. Demonstrated skills in project management, scheduling and time management, monitoring, evaluation, technical reporting, and risk management
2. Good communication abilities. Experience in establishing strategic collaborations.
3. Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills will be required. 
4. Computer literate.
5. For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required.