The Principal/Senior Research Fellow is a highly prestigious and independent research role designed for a distinguished, mid-to-senior career researcher. The post holder will establish and lead a significant, internationally recognized research program at Woxwen University, secured primarily through competitive external funding. This role requires demonstrated leadership in research, mentorship, and a substantial track record of high-impact publications and successful grant acquisition.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
1. Independent Research Leadership (40%)
- Establish a Research Program: Independently design, secure funding for, and execute a high-quality, innovative research program aligned with the strategic vision of the Department/Institute.
- Methodological Innovation: Generate new research approaches and identify, adapt, and devise appropriate advanced research methodologies and techniques with significant impact.
- High-Impact Dissemination: Maintain a sustained track record of publishing research findings in leading, peer-reviewed international journals, monographs, and conference proceedings.
2. Grant Acquisition and Financial Management (30%)
- Principal Investigator (PI) Role: Proactively identify external funding opportunities (national, international, and industrial) and lead the preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals as Principal Investigator (PI).
- Grant Management: Assume full operational and financial responsibility for managing complex research projects, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and University financial regulations.
- Income Generation: Contribute significantly to the Department's research income through grants, commercialization activities, and establishing industry links.
3. Mentorship and Team Management (20%)
- Team Leadership: Lead and manage a varied research team (Research Fellows, Research Associates, Technicians, and PhD students), providing strategic direction, line management, and professional development support.
- Supervision: Attract and successfully supervise postgraduate research students (Master's and PhD) to completion.
- Career Development: Mentor early-stage researchers and junior staff, helping them to develop their own grant-writing capabilities and research independence.
4. Strategic and Collegial Contribution (10%)
- Strategic Input: Contribute to the strategic development of the Department/Institute by anticipating new research directions and developing research strategies.
- External Networking: Lead the development of national and international research networks and collaborations to foster knowledge exchange and common research objectives.
- University Service: Undertake senior administrative and management functions, such as convening relevant committees or contributing to University planning and governance.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- A PhD in a relevant discipline with extensive, post-qualification research experience.
- A sustained, world-class track record of high-quality, peer-reviewed publications commensurate with the role of a Principal/Senior Research Fellow.
- A demonstrable track record of securing substantial competitive research funding as a Principal Investigator (PI) from external, peer-reviewed funding bodies.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse research team effectively.
- Strong evidence of research leadership and the ability to drive a research agenda independently.
