Senior Researcher Development Officer (Maternity Cover)

Advert

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is one of the UK’s most forward-thinking and socially driven universities. Guided by our mission as the University for the Common Good, we deliver high-quality education and world-leading research that serves communities both locally and globally. With recognised strengths across applied research, knowledge exchange, and industry engagement, this is an exciting time to join us as we expand our research support structures.

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive Senior Researcher Development Officer to join the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES) Directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role in strengthening the University’s research environment by coordinating, delivering, and continuously enhancing a cohesive programme of researcher development for postgraduate researchers, supervisors and research-active staff.

As Senior Researcher Development Officer, you will lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of a wide-ranging portfolio of development programmes and initiatives. You will work closely with the Head of Researcher Development, academic colleagues and external partners to design and deliver engaging workshops, online learning, mentoring activities, and supervisor development provision. You will also act as a central point of expertise for policies, systems and best practice in researcher development, contributing to internal and national committees and representing the University in relevant networks.

This role requires excellent organisational, project management and communication skills, alongside the confidence to deliver sessions, advise colleagues at all levels, and manage budgets and resources independently. You will join a collaborative and dedicated team within RKES, contributing to a positive culture and supporting GCU’s commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive and high-performing research environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who:

• Thrives in a dynamic, people-focused environment
• Enjoys leading high-impact development initiatives
• Can build strong relationships and influence across diverse groups
• Brings creativity, confidence, and a solutions-focused mindset
• Has experience in researcher development or a closely related professional field

If you are passionate about supporting researchers’ development, shaping positive research culture, and contributing to an ambitious and supportive directorate, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please see the full job description for a full list of essential criteria. Please ensure you demonstrate how you can meet these criteria within your application.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role or want to learn more, please contact Dr Amy Cartwright, Head of Researcher Development at amy.cartwright@gcu.ac.uk

As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as our values in everything that we do.  As such, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who demonstrate the GCU Values.

Glasgow Caledonian University is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias so that we can attract and retain a high performing workforce which makes a critical contribution to our success​.

The University holds the prestigious Athena SWAN Silver institution award, which recognises our significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality across different disciplines.

As a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer, we are striving to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to disabled people. Although the Disability Confident 'Committed' level does not guarantee an interview for disabled applicants, we will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants during the recruitment process.

The University also holds the ‘Carer Positive Established’ employer award, which recognises our commitment to supporting staff with caring responsibilities.

Glasgow Caledonian University are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant. 

The University offers a range of benefits including opportunities for professional development, family friendly policies, cycle to work scheme and onsite childcare facilities.

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception).