Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity

This new full-time post is available from June 2025 on a permanent basis.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours (minimum 0.8 FTE) or job-sharing arrangements.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

The context

The Research Division is a key enabler to the delivery of the University’s Strategy 2030, the Research and Impact Strategy, successful REF performances, and generating external research income, by: 

• supporting the full research project lifecycle from inception to impact; 
• offering research infrastructure support; 
• providing leadership for the Exeter Doctoral College; 
• delivering joint strategic, policy and planning support to the University and Faculties. 

The division consist of four service groups: Doctoral College; Research Services; Research Software and Analytics; and Technical Strategy and Operations.

It is in this context that we are now seeking a Head of Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance. The incoming Head will have a responsibility for overseeing the Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance portfolio, developing capability and skill across the university to ensure we meet and exceed all standards of research integrity, ethics, governance, and compliance.

The role 

The post holder will take a leading role in shaping, monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of Research Governance, Ethics and Compliance. They will create and maintain strong networks with Research Services leaders, the DVC for Research and the Compliance and Risk Department to maintain effective oversight, identifying areas of best practice and supporting improvement whenever required.

You will effectively lead a team of specialists with responsibility for research integrity and ethics and compliance and be accountable for their work, ensuring the development of technical competences, skills and behaviours within the team, setting objectives, monitoring performance, and providing support and guidance as appropriate.

Using your extensive experience and expert knowledge in the specialist area of research governance, ethics and compliance, to lead a robust approach to the design of research infrastructure and governance and act as the University lead on key compliance areas. You will lead the Research Governance and Ethics Team developing systems and procedures to effectively support the leadership and strategic research goals.  As a member of the University’s Research Division Senior Management Group, you will liaise effectively with other services from within the division, supporting the Director of Research in strategic and operational development and initiatives.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.  

Further information 

Please contact Steve Popham, Assistant Director of Research Services s.g.popham@exeter.ac.uk  or Kate Lindsell, Assistant Director Assurance, Compliance and Risk k.lindsell@exeter.ac.uk 

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