Vice Principal - Research

Why RGU?

An innovative, inclusive, totally professional yet thoroughly pragmatic university, focusing on the impact of its demand-led teaching and research, RGU has pivoted to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are building on our existing strengths to steer the University into a strong position from which to address emerging challenges and seize the many opportunities that will become available across our key sectors of expertise as local, national and international commercial and education markets recover.

Why RGU Research?

Substantial investment over the last few years has helped us build RGU Research into a resource that has developed in importance as our research activity has grown in areas where RGU has demonstrable credibility. Some of the ongoing projects, which target areas where our expertise can make the greatest impact, include work to address various aspects of island life in Orkney, growing smart data research in Mexico, and establishing the National Subsea Centre. But we want to do more …

The role

The VPR plays a central role in delivering the University’s research strategy and shaping our research culture. The role is primarily about people, providing leadership and support to our superb researchers and helping them to develop and succeed. At the core of all our research work is an awareness that by delivering excellence we bring diverse benefits – and often commercial gains - to society.

The challenges

Your principal challenge will be the competition to secure external funds to support the research, not just in our areas of genuine excellence, but also in the new areas where we wish to develop and build capacity. Underpinning this, is the requirement to provide effective leadership and ensure we maintain a consistent focus on income generating research, especially in industry-related fields.

The opportunities

Increasing interest and engagement in research activity is happening across the University. We have some brilliant young researchers with great potential and nurturing this talent and bringing it to fruition will be the key to success for these individuals, the VPR and the University.

The person

We need a leader who can contribute across institutional strategy and policy matters as part of a wider executive role within the University Management Group. Significant experience of the research agenda, income generation, teaching, learning and university administration are all essential, as is the ability to lead and manage diverse teams to bring out the best in every individual concerned.

For further information please visit  https://www.rguvpresearch.com/