Chancellor's Fellowships

Job Description

Robert Gordon University has a strong track record of high quality and impactful research that delivers significant social, cultural and economic value, contributing to sustainable growth, improved service provision, and increased innovation.  We also have a strong commitment to research that involves co-production and collaborative working with partners locally and globally across the public, private and third sectors.

As part of a major new investment in research and to support outstanding early career researchers, RGU is recruiting 10 Chancellor’s Fellows to foster innovative interdisciplinary research that is relevant and responsive to real-world challenges. 

The Chancellor’s Fellowship scheme builds on the University’s outstanding record of supporting early career researchers.  Over the five years of the appointment, Fellows will be fully supported to achieve their research and leadership ambitions, and benefit from dedicated mentoring, peer support and training opportunities, including the University’s leadership and career development courses.

The Fellowship scheme focusses on interdisciplinary research. We therefore welcome applicants whose research crosses disciplinary boundaries, and aligns with one or more of RGU’s four research themes:

• Environment, Energy and Sustainability
• Health and Wellbeing
• Living in a Digital World
• Inclusive and Creative Societies

Fellows will develop a programme of research and knowledge exchange activities, produce outputs of at least REF 3* quality, and apply for external research funding appropriate to the discipline.  Fellows will be provided with additional financial support in the first 2 years to accelerate the development of their research programme.  Fellows will normally be hosted within one of our 11 academic Schools  at our campus in Aberdeen or at the National Subsea Centre (NSC).  We are particularly keen to support applicants wishing to be based at RGU Orkney in Stromness (part of the Orkney Research and Innovation Campus) and aligned remotely to any of our academic Schools or NSC.

Posts are for five years, although there may be opportunities to apply for a permanent position. We are interested in those who have moved into academia from another sector and particularly welcome applications  from female researchers, those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, as they are underrepresented in this area of our workforce.

For more information visit: Chancellor’s Fellowships | RGU

Informal enquires are encouraged and should be directed in the first instance to Professor Nick Fyfe, Vice Principal for Research and Community Engagement (n.fyfe3@rgu.ac.uk)

Relocation assistance may be available subject to conditions.  For more information, visit: ll-id="relocation" data-skill-lang="EN">Relocation Assistance

Applications should include:

A CV, including career/employment history and outputs, limited to a maximum of 5 pages of A4.

A 2 page cover letter, outlining your proposed research programme, including: a research plan which focuses particularly the first 2-3 years, and highlights alignment with one or more of the University’s interdisciplinary research themes; the scope for grant applications, likely outputs, and potential for impact; and details of any activities that will support collaboration, partnership and knowledge exchange.

Requirements

RESPONSIBLE TO: Will be dependent on research theme and school identified by applicant

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No initial direct supervisory responsibility.  However, potential opportunity for the co-ordination of PhD students, research assistants/fellows to support your research activity

PURPOSE OF POST: As credible subject experts, Fellows will be expected to establish and develop a programme of research and knowledge exchange activities, produce outputs of at least REF 3* quality, and apply for research funding appropriate to the discipline.   

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Establish an independent research programme relevant to your interdisciplinary theme, with defined research objectives which will contribute to the overall achievement of the Universities research theme(s), targets and KPIs.

Liaise with academic and research staff within RGU to support the  research agenda and culture; help promote an awareness of research, research methods and to stimulate research activity.

Assist in establishing and developing links with other institutions within appropriate research fields.

Actively look to establish and lead relevant internal and external networks and contribute with existing networks to enhance your work, strategic aims and research profile.

Present at national or internationally recognised conferences related to your theme(s) to help establish your national research profile.

As Principal Investigator develop research projects and actively pursue external grant applications, publications, knowledge exchange and outreach activities.

Effectively lead the co-ordination of research staff and their assigned activities related to your research theme(s) and manage any relevant research administration activity.

Contribute to the overarching research culture within the relevant School(s) and University.

Act as a mentor for students and developing early career researchers where relevant.

Contribute constructively to research team meetings and networks at school and University level.

 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Professional Memberships:

PhD in relevant subject area

Knowledge

Good understanding of the wider disciplinary field

Understanding of the funding opportunities and constraints appropriate to the discipline

Good understanding of the potential non-academic impacts of research and routes to achieving these through appropriate pathways of engagement

Where appropriate to the field, a willingness to develop and conduct translational activities. For example, working with industry, involving the public, private and/or voluntary sectors and the general public

Knowledge and awareness of research governance requirements including ethics

Demonstrable ability in experimental design, data analysis, interpretation and presentation

Familiarity with elementary financial planning and management of project resources

Experience

Relevant evidence of excellent research experience nationally and internationally and presenting at national and international conferences ,

Evidence of pro-actively identifying sources and obtaining funding to support research through the preparation of research bids and tenders.

Recent record and evidence of leading/contributing to high quality publications, reports and conference abstracts etc.

Experience of contributing to  an inclusive and collegiate research culture and to promote equality, diversity and inclusion

Experience of mentoring and supervision of early career student and academic researchers

Experience of effectively leading or co-ordinating a team to support research activity

Committed to continuous professional development

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Evidence of effective contribution to the wider academic community

Proven ability to plan and lead the delivery of research projects and to ensure the delivery of the required outcomes