Associate Dean for Research

JOB DESCRIPTION

Faculty:
Responsible to: / Dean of Faculty
Responsible for: / Research across the Faculty
Term of Office: / Normally for three years
Allowance / £3,500
Hours: / 0.5fte
Role Summary:
Working closely with the Dean, the Associate Dean for Research will be responsible for the Faculty’s research and enterprise strategy and maintain oversight of the Faculty’s compliance with University and statutory regulations in the areas of research governance and ethics. The appointee will be responsible to the Dean of the Faculty, and other key relationships will be with the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, Heads of Schools, Research Centre Leads, Faculty Research Manager, Faculty Business Manager, Faculty Link Management Accountant, Head of Partnership Development, and other Research Directors/Associate Deans outside the Faculty together with other academic, public and private sector partners as appropriate.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Principal Areas of Responsibility
The following elements outline the main areas of responsibility. However, these will change from time to time and may be amended by the Dean following discussion with the role-holder. Therefore the list is not exhaustive.
Leadership, Research & Enterprise
To work closely with the Dean to enhance the national and international research reputation of the Faculty
To provide strategic leadership to sustain and develop the Faculty’s research.
To develop a strategic plan for research that meets the agreed research and enterprise objectives of the Faculty and is in line with the University and Faculty Strategic Plans.
To develop a close working relationship with Heads of School and support them in delivery of the School’s research targets
To work with the Faculty Research Manager and appropriate Faculty teams to set and achieve objectives for research and enterprise and to contribute to the development of research and enterprise across the University.
To support the development and success of all Research Centres within the Faculty and ensure they have a clear set of objectives and targets in consultation with Research Centre Leads and Heads of Schools.
To support the development of strong portfolio of interdisciplinary activity.
To actively encourage inter- and intra- Faculty activities.
To advise the Dean on research investment, to ensure that staff have appropriate facilities and a conducive research environment.
To identify and address blockages to research activity, progress and development.
To support the Dean in the annual University Academic Planning Round and follow up significant strategic actions arising as a result.
Ensure that Schools and research centres are in a strong position to submit for the next Research Excellence Framework To lead on Faculty strategy for the next Research Excellence Framework and oversee the coordination of information to feed into the University submission.
In consultation with the Dean, to develop appropriate targets for sustainable growth of research activity (research income, PGR, IP disclosures, licences etc.) and to have responsibility for the delivery of these targets.
In conjunction with ResearchSupport Services, be responsible for the identification and management of Intellectual Property.
To work with the Faculty Research Manager and central directorates to ensure that IT and management information systems are accurately recording research outputs and data.
To support Heads of Schools and line managers in ensuring that annual Research plans are embedded in the appraisal process across the Faculty.
To assist the Dean with research issues within the Faculty.
Management of Resources
To work closely with the Faculty Research Manager, Faculty Business Manager and Faculty Link Management Accountant to ensure that the treatment of research monies is transparent, correctly allocated and compliant with University financial regulations.
To hold budgetary responsibility for the Faculty Research Office research budget alongside the Faculty Research Manager.
To work closely with the Faculty Business Manager and Faculty Research Manager to ensure that the Faculty Research Office is appropriately resourced to provide a Faculty wide research support service.
To be an advocate for mechanisms to support career development of all staff involved in research at all career stages.
Governance
To ensure the quality of all research and enterprise activities within the Faculty. This will include ensuring that all such activities undertaken meet the University’s ethical requirements.
To chair the Faculty Research Committee.
To participate in the University’s governance through membership of Senate and other formal bodies.
To ensure appropriate representation on Faculty and University Committees and to disseminate information to and via the Faculty Research Office where appropriate.
To ensure the Faculty Research Office complies with all University policies and procedures for the conduct of research.
Team Work, Communication and Documentation
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the Faculty and across the University as well as external partners and other stakeholders.
Actively consult, involve, and invite contributions from, members of the Faculty on the development of research and enterprise.
Communicate effectively across the Faculty and University: to ensure an appropriate level of consultation on decision making.
To raise the profile of research in the Faculty both internally and externally.
Personal Development / Performance
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing personal and professional development.
Define priorities and set and meet deadlines in the achievement of strategic and operational targets.
Equality, Diversity, Health and Safety and Strategy
To demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
Contribute to ensuring that the principles of equality of opportunity and respect for diversity are observed and promoted in all matters relating to research.
Take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Co-operate with Keele University in ensuring as far as is necessary, compliance with Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Procedures and health and safety arrangements .
To ensure the implementation of effective health and safety procedures in line the University policies.
Other
To undertake any other duties, as reasonably prescribed by the Dean, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor or the Vice-Chancellor.

PERSON SPECIFICATION – ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH

Characteristics / Essential / Desirable
Background / Senior academic member of the University
Experience/skills and competencies / Proven experience of working effectively with senior colleagues
Exceptional and internationally recognised achievement in research.
Convincing academic credibility evidenced by personal achievement.
Possession of a clear vision for a strong and thriving Faculty Research Office.
The ability to empower others and enable excellent team performance.
The ability to manage the Faculty Research Office operationally including objective and target setting.
The ability to manage the Faculty Research Office strategically.
The ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
Effective people management skills
A strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity
The ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
Effective decision-making skills including the ability to make and convey difficult decisions.
The ability to influence, persuade and negotiate effectively.
The ability to use tact, diplomacy and empathy effectively.
Proven experience of the ability to maintain strict confidentiality where appropriate. / Proven experience of other academic leadership roles.
Proven experience of successful team leadership and empowerment.
Proven experience of operational management.
Proven experience of strategic management.
Proven experience of budget and resource management.
Proven experience of successful people management.
Proven experience in the use of equality-centred practice.
Proven experience of building effective working relationships at all levels.
Proven experience of sound decision-making including making and conveying difficult decisions.
Proven experience of the effective use of influencing, persuasion and negotiating skills.
Proven experience of recognising situations that require the use of tact, diplomacy and empathy and using them to best effect.
Experience of or involvement with risk management.

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