Deputy Director: Research Strategy, Innovation and Academic Standards at Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust

Introduction 

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) has a vision of research driving health.  We conduct research to benefit health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders.  MLW is one of the largest and most successful research partnership in Malawi, hosting 6 Research Themes, 4 Research Support Units, a Policy Unit and 9 Operations Departments.  It is a research affiliate of the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and is funded by a core grant from the Wellcome Trust.  The focus of MLW research spans the breadth of basic, clinical and social science. In the next 5-10 years, MLW will host approximately 200 projects at any time, with a grant portfolio spending approximately £20m per year.  MLW at this scale will host more than 200 postgraduate trainees (from pre-MSc to postdoctoral scientists), linked to national and international centres around the region and the world.

Main Purpose of Role

The Deputy Director: Research Strategy, Innovation and Academic Standards (DD – Research) supports the Director in all aspects of leading MLW.  The role of the DD – Research will focus on leading researchers in delivering the academic vision of MLW, promoting and leading strategic, innovative initiatives to manage the anticipated growth in research and the expansion of postgraduate training programs. The DD – Research will work closely with the Director, DD – Culture and Chief Operating Officer (COO) and will be fully supported by the MLW Senior Management Team (SMT) and Executive Committee (ExCo).   The DD – Research is a key member of SMT and ExCo supporting effective overall management and leadership of MLW.  The DD – Research deputises for the Director in all areas as needed.

The DD – Research will:

MLW Leadership

• Work closely with the Director to provide institutional leadership within MLW.
• Deputise for Director when required in all aspects of the Director’s role.
• Support the Director in developing and delivering MLW’s vision and strategy.
• Support the Director to ensure the financial and scientific sustainability of the institution including preparation for core grant renewal.
• Develop effective strategies for grant management and funding, including identifying new funding opportunities and maintaining robust relationships with key funders, particularly Wellcome.
• Collaborate closely with Operations Departments to align research strategies with operational capabilities, fostering an integrated and efficient approach to achieving MLW’s research and administrative goals.
• Promote MLW values and enhance MLW reputation internally and externally.
• Provide leadership to SMT and support ExCo.
• Lead and attend MLW Committees as required.
• Lead by example in the development of an inclusive, positive culture in which all stakeholders have the opportunity to thrive and achieve to the best of their ability.

Academic Direction

• Actively promote MLW as a world-leading centre of excellence.
• Conduct internationally leading innovative research in their specialist area, supervise and mentor trainees.
• Provide leadership and work collaboratively within SMT in the development of institutional strategy.
• Work closely with the Director to provide leadership in the sustainable delivery of the research and training strategy to ensure research excellence and training are the clear focus of MLW.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Research Strategy Group (RSG) including:
  1. Chair RSG.
  2. Ensure RSG Terms of Reference are reviewed annually to be fit for purpose.
  3. Ensure RSG members know their duties and are diligent in their discharge.
  4. Ensure RSG decisions are clearly and effectively communicated to Operations Departments, such that planned, new and ongoing projects are well supported by Operations.
• Convene an Academic Standards body at MLW, together with HR and with partners (KUHeS, LSTM, UoL) to ensure all MLW academics and research trainees have appropriate supervision/line management, clear objectives and rigorous annual feedback on progress against agreed targets.
• Monitor the academic performance of MLW against sector expectation and set effective strategies to drive sustainable improvements where necessary.
• Work closely with MLW Operations Departments to ensure operational and infrastructure services are aligned with academic plans and priorities and foster an integrated collaborative approach.
• Maintaining clear communication channels with Wellcome, LSTM, UoL and KUHeS leadership on all matters pertaining to research excellence and capacity strengthening.

Enterprise, Innovation and Translation

Work closely with DD – Culture to champion enterprise, innovation and translation activities, including development of links with industry, business partners and policymakers for science impact.