Assistant Director, Research & Innovation

Scottish Funding Council

. Lead key areas of Scottish Funding Council research strategy, including research sustainability, articulating the value of research, evidence development and contributions to UK R&D policy .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomLead💰 £66,924 - £78,930 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in research strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence within complex political environments. Capable of producing high-quality reports and briefings while managing teams and fostering collaboration across organizations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementResearch StrategyTeam ManagementHigh-Level Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Research Policy KnowledgeEvidence DevelopmentFinancial SustainabilityStrategic ThinkingCreative Problem Solving

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsJudgmentNegotiation

Certifications & Qualifications

SCQF Level 9 Qualification

Industry Keywords

Scottish Funding CouncilUK Research & InnovationHigher Education IssuesPolitical EnvironmentResearch Landscape

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead key areas of Scottish Funding Council research strategy, including research sustainability, articulating the value of research, evidence development and contributions to UK R&D policy
Support the Deputy Director of Research, Innovation & Capital on research strategy, research landscape and financial sustainability work
Cultivate and maintain working relationships with institutions, the Scottish Government, UK Government and UK Research & Innovation
Horizon-scan and provide advice, support and guidance to Scottish stakeholders
Produce briefings, reports and papers for SFC senior management and key stakeholders
Represent SFC and deputise for the Deputy Director and Director in external and internal engagements
Travel around Scotland and the UK to meet partners, stakeholders and other research funding bodies
Promote effective collaboration across SFC and facilitate cross-team project work
Contribute research and innovation perspectives across teams
Manage a team of two people
Report to the Deputy Director, Research, Innovation & Capital

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience of policy development, stakeholder engagement and influencing at a senior level within a complex political environment, such as institutions, national and local governments, agencies or influencing bodies/groups
Knowledge and experience of current research policy issues in Scottish and UK contexts, ideally in a research or research policy environment
Demonstrable understanding of the current Scottish political and Government operating environment
Good awareness of higher education issues in Scotland
Ability to think strategically and creatively and demonstrate good judgement when analysing and responding to complex issues
High-level oral and written communication skills, including representation and negotiation at a senior level
Excellent interpersonal skills
Experience of management and ability to work well as part of a team
Qualified to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week, with flexible working arrangements and a flexi-time system
Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus 13 days pro-rata public and privilege holidays
Hybrid working, including flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time and regular in-person contact with colleagues
Annual pay review under the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with employer contributions of 28.97%
Option of a Partnership pension account
Support for continuous professional development and access to the Civil Service-Learning curriculum
Generous occupational sick pay
Free confidential advice and support through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Special Leave (paid and unpaid)
Contribution to learning outside work through the Lifelong Learning Fund
Free winter flu vaccination
Access to occupational health support
Volunteering Days
Salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme
Cycle storage and shower facilities
Interest-free loan for bus or rail season tickets
Free office car parking for employees on a first-come basis
Part-time or compressed hours considered
Flexible working scheme accommodating other commitments such as caring responsibilities
Secondment applications considered for most salaried fixed-term, temporary, and many permanent positions