Trusted Research Partner

University of Birmingham - Research Strategy & Services Division

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £46,735 to £55,755 Grade 8

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 18th September 2025

Closes: 14th October 2025

Job Ref: 105670

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,735- £55,755 with potential progression once in post to £62,728

Role Summary

The Trusted Research Partner (TRP) will play a leading role in shaping and supporting the University’s approach to research security and compliance. Reporting to the Assistant Director RSSD (Head of Contracts Policy & Compliance) and working closely with the College Hub Leadership Teams, the TRP will provide expert advice on key regulatory frameworks, including Export Control, the National Security & Investment Act, the Nagoya Protocol and due diligence. This senior post will support the development of policy and practice across RSSD, contribute to institutional training and risk mitigation, and work in close partnership with senior academic leaders. The role is particularly suited to candidates with experience of supporting STEM disciplines in a research support or governance setting, and who are confident in engaging with scientific content and advising on regulatory considerations in a dynamic, research-intensive environment.

Main duties

• Work closely with the Assistant Director RSSD and College Hub leadership teams to shape and embed the University’s internal framework for Trusted Research. This includes developing practical tools and policies to support compliance with legislation such as Export Control, the Nagoya Protocol, and funder due diligence requirements.
• Act as a key contact for Trusted Research queries—reviewing cases, supporting referrals to ECJU and RCAT, and drafting export licence applications where needed. Offer clear, pragmatic advice to senior academic and professional services leaders on risks and possible mitigations linked to international collaborations, data security, and strategic contracts.
• Take a lead role in reviewing and refining processes, ensuring that policies remain responsive to emerging risks and regulatory changes. Proactively liaise with stakeholders to maintain up-to-date guidance and demonstrable compliance across all core areas of the Trusted Research agenda.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to degree level or with equivalent professional experience gained in a research-intensive or regulatory environment.
• Proven experience of supporting academic research in a governance, compliance, or risk management role, ideally within STEM disciplines.
• Experience of providing senior specialist support to complex issues relating to legal compliance and regulatory functions including assessing risk, with an ability to disseminate that expertise to others to ensure understanding and compliance at all levels of the University.
• Proven ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences, and to produce and analyse source material, information and data.
• Authoritative knowledge of the geopolitical issues impacting the UK and/or overseas research funding environment, including broader sector/commercial awareness.

Informal enquiries can be made to Louise Staffell at l.staffell@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.