Assistant Director, Research & Innovation; Grade M1

Final date to receive applications: 25 October 2026

Department: Investment & Research

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Edinburgh
- Hybrid

Reporting To: Deputy Director, Research, Innovation & Capital

Compensation: Grade M1 £ 66,924 to £78,930. Civil Service Pension with Employer Contribution of 28.97%. Flexible Working Hours. Hybrid Working.

Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish. Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic professional to join our Investment & Research directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the Scottish Funding Council’s research strategy at a time of significant development and change in the Scottish and UK R&D landscape.

The role provides a unique national vantage point and includes engagement with key stakeholders within the Scottish Government, UK Government and UK Research & Innovation as well as across Scottish institutions. You will work flexibly across a broad range of areas from supporting positive research cultures, to developing cases for investment in research, exploring issues of research financial sustainability, and influencing UK R&D policy.

Virtual interviews will be held week commencing 2 November 2026 (via Teams).

• Lead key areas of SFC research strategy, including but not limited to 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 specific areas of work related to research strategy, research landscape and financial sustainability, as required.
• Cultivate and maintain positive working links with institutions, the Scottish Government, UK Government and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) including relationship building with relevant stakeholders.
• Horizon-scan and provide advice, support and guidance to internal and external Scottish stakeholders, producing briefings, reports and papers as required for SFC senior management and key stakeholders.
• Represent SFC as required, deputising for the Deputy Director and Director where appropriate in external and internal engagements. This may require travel both around Scotland to meet with partners and stakeholders, and in the UK particularly for work with the other funding bodies for research.
• Support and promote effective working and collaboration across SFC, breaking down organisational silos and facilitating greater project and collaborative work across teams, contributing research & innovation perspectives and input as appropriate. You will manage a team of two people.

It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:

Essential:

• Experience of policy development, stakeholder engagement and influencing at a senior level within a complex political environment, for example within institutions, national and local governments, agencies or influencing bodies/groups.
• Knowledge and experience of current research policy issues in Scottish and UK contexts, ideally with experience of working in a research or research policy environment.
• A 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 experience of representation and negotiation at a senior level.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, experience of management and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• Qualified to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience.

• Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi-time system is in operation.
• Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata.
• A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining…