Research Director

Candidate Pack October 2019

Overview WMG is seeking candidates for the post of Research Director. This is both a Professorial and significant research leadership role. The post will report to the new CEO (currently in recruitment) and until that time the Interim Head of Department (Prof Dave Mullins). Following the appointment of the new CEO, the Research Director will undertake some Head of Department responsibilities.

The Research Director role provides academic leadership across a range of activities and will join the WMG Executive Team, thereby playing a major role in strategy development.

An academic department of the University of Warwick, WMG has over 750 people working across ten dedicated research and education centres on the Warwick campus, plus collaborative centres in seven countries. With an annual programme of £180m, which includes industrial and in-kind support, we continually invest in state-of-the-art facilities and expertise to keep us at the forefront of innovation in our research, education and knowledge transfer activities.

You will be a senior researcher with an established track record in an area aligned to WMG’s research strategy, and have an international recognition for published work, as well as a sustained history of obtaining grant and contract funding. Demonstrated impact on real-world problems will be essential in the WMG context.

University of Warwick Part of the renowned Russell Group, and one of the UK’s most prominent universities for research and teaching, Warwick has consistently ranked within the UK Top 10 since its inception in 1965.

In just 50 years, we have become a leading higher education institution, encompassing 29 departments and more than 50 research centres and institutes in science, engineering, the arts, social sciences, and medicine.

In the UK Government’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, we ranked 7th in the UK for the quality of our research, with 87% of the University’s research activity classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Our vision is to be a truly world class university. One with a dynamic, enterprising approach to solving global challenges; one that enables students to create their place in the world; one that defines the university of tomorrow.

Our vibrant international community, award winning campus, and outstanding resources and reputation provide a fantastic environment for you to create real impact.

WMG The largest academic department at Warwick, we are a leading multidisciplinary group with 34 research capabilities working across ten buildings on the central campus.

Founded by Professor Lord Bhattacharyya in 1980, we are driving innovation across the areas of vehicle electrification, intelligent vehicles, advanced manufacturing and materials, digitally enhanced manufacturing, health and wellbeing, cyber security, and operations and supply chain. Working together with industry, we develop solutions to both business and technical challenges. Our work has helped organisations to improve their competitiveness in a wide range of sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, digital, construction, energy and utilities, finance, food and drink, healthcare, IT, pharmaceuticals, and rail.

Cited by UK government as an international role model for how universities and business can successfully work together, our partners include Airbus, Arup, Bosch Ltd, Jaguar Land Rover, Nikon, Siemens, TVS Motors, Tata Motors, and Tata Steel.

By leveraging the results of these collaborations, and transferring that knowledge to our students, we have become a leading centre for both technical and management education, developing the future skills base for global industry. Challenging traditional ways of thinking, and sharing our expertise and experience, we develop well-rounded individuals who can progress to the highest level.

“Passionate about manufacturing, innovation and

technology, WMG is an excit ing, dynamic and forward-

thinking organisation. Academic excellence w ith

industrial relevance has always been at the heart of what we

do. I t ’s what makes us unique”.

WMG Funding Profile Over the last ten years WMGs research income has grown significantly to over £55M in 2018/2019 which reflects the expansion in our capabilities, and the excellence and impact of our research. With over 50 unique funders of research (which doesn't include all of our industry partners across a wide range of sectors), 30% of our research is directly funded by industry and 40% funding is provided by UKRI (Innovate UK, EPSRC and other researcher councils), RAEng, Royal Society, charities, European commission, plus many more. The remaining 30% of funding is provided by the WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult. We have secured £18.4m for next 5 years based on last year's 5 year extension of £100m.

REF In REF 2014 90% of our research was classed as world leading/internationally excellent (HEFCE, now Research England). At a critical point in REF2021 preparations, currently WMG has identified high quality outputs across our multi-disciplinary research groups which demonstrate originality, significance and rigour. In line with the REF2014 plans for growth, in the last 6 years WMG has developed capabilities in intelligent vehicles, energy and artificial intelligence which are delivering impacts across a diverse spectrum. Academics in the department are building on translating knowledge from their materials and manufacturing research into other sectors. For example, our metrology and additive manufacturing centre is now a national hub for homicide investigations, funded by West Midlands Police delivering impacts in the criminal justice system in the UK with societal and economic benefits. WMG is a rich, diverse environment with a number of cutting edge facilities/centres, including the Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Building which represents a £150M investment from partners and funders, and showcases our approach of co-location with industrialists. Our high quality research is being applied in the real word in industry and by end users in sectors in automotive, public transport, rail and health. We are also recognised for our ability to inform policy-making and investment at a regional and national level, most recently leading the development of the Industrial Strategy, the Faraday Challenge and pioneering ISO standards for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

Annual research income

2018/19 Forecast £56,753

2017/18 £45,752

2016/17 £38,110

2015/16 £28,940

2014/15 £24,236

2013/14 £18,513

2012/13 £13,291

2011/12 £15,148

2010/11 £17,516

2009/10 £9,457

Structure

The Role With vision, passion and genuine desire to make a difference, the Research Director will lead WMG’s research strategy and provide academic leadership in his/her chosen field, working with a range of industrial and other partners and collaborators.

The post holder will engage with WMG’s existing collaborators as well as establishing new partnerships. As a member of WMG’s Executive Team, the Research Director will make a significant contribution to the strategic development and management of the Department.

Key Responsibilities Research Director Duties

• In collaboration with the CEO and senior colleagues, to develop and lead on research strategy across WMG and to be the academic lead on the REF.

• To provide research leadership within WMG, line management to the Heads of five Research Directorates and guidance as required to academic staff in the Research Directorates.

• To represent WMG on key University Committees and disseminate information to WMG staff accordingly. To represent the research interests and activities of WMG at University level.

• To lead external research engagement and deputise for the CEO where required, for example hosting visits and representing WMG at external events.

• To contribute to academic career development and the supporting University processes, working with the COO and Head of Academic Talent Development. This will include membership of the department’s Promotions Committee and contributing to development activities for junior staff.

• To maximise research profile and impact, interfacing with policy makers, opinion formers, professional organisations, trade associations, and “think tanks”.

• To contribute to other collegiate activities (including administrative) within WMG and the University.

Professorial Duties

• To lead and develop a portfolio of collaborative research and research-led teaching activities in a field aligned with WMG’s research strategy.

• To work with other senior staff in WMG to exploit collaborative opportunities in research and education.

• To develop collaborative relationships with leading industrial and other user organisations and with other academic groups worldwide, positioning Warwick as an international player.

• To develop successful major research programme applications to external funding bodies.

• To supervise PhD/EngD and MSc student projects and contribute to teaching programmes as appropriate.

• To publish research output in high quality academic journals, leading international conferences and high profile professional and public interest events and publications.

Person Specification Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

Academic

• Demonstrable impact of research to address real-world problems

• Experience of managing multidisciplinary research projects with industry/technology/commercial partners

• An international academic track record in a relevant field with evidence of extensive academic impact through high quality peer-reviewed journals

• A sustained record in obtaining grant and contract funding

• Evidence of and ability to identify target application sectors and identify appropriate innovation for those sectors

• Evidence and ability to develop strong national and international links with academe and industry/external organisations

Leadership

• Experience of managing academic and research staff

• Experience of developing and implementing departmental strategy

• The ability to lead a multidisciplinary team

General

• A 2.1 or above honours degree and PhD in a relevant field

• High level interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

Benefits Core benefits of working for WMG include:

• Competitive salary

• USS Pension Scheme

• Generous annual leave: You’ll enjoy 30 days’ paid annual leave, on top of four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays.

• Support with relocation (if applicable)

How to Apply Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to WMG on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WACABB. Alternatively, email belinda.beck@saxbam.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours) Applications should include a full CV and covering letter detailing academic and professional qualifications, relevant experience and interest. Applications should be received by noon on 31 October 2019.