The University of Sheffield
Postgraduate Research Support Lead
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Postgraduate Research Support Lead
The University of Sheffield
Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits:
- Highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more)
- Generous pension scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Commitment to your development and wellbeing
- Wide range of retail discounts
Overview
RPI supports agreed University and Faculty priorities for research and innovation. We focus on professional, value-add advice and support for researchers and innovators, driving income generation, improving PGR experience, and fostering partnerships. Our team collaborates, reflects, and innovates while building strong connections across the organisation.
You will lead a central team of 3,000+ PGRs. This team operates under a hub-and-spoke model, with support delivered in faculties by Doctoral Schools.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Plan and coordinate support systems for PGRs while maintaining alignment with sector networks and University priorities.
- Regulation & Policy: Support academic/professional colleagues with University regulations, policy, funding processes, and systems.
- Research Environment: Foster a supportive culture for PGRs, improving submission rates, completion times, and supervision standards.
- Performance & Compliance: Ensure Quality Assurance standards, compliance, and statutory reporting are met.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Leading central PGR support teams with partners across the University.
- Managing PGR lifecycle: regulations, systems, and governance within institutional frameworks.
- Enhancing student experience, timely submission, and best practice in supervision.
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Typical Deliverables:
- Accessible, compliant policies and regulatory documents (e.g., Code of Practice for Research Degrees).
- Risk-aware advice for progression, complaints, and University regulations.
- Transparent and consistent processes (e.g., cohort recruitment, audits, and scholarships).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the PGR Support team with high-performance standards.
- Ensure the hub-and-spoke model operates effectively.
- Lead or contribute to University-wide PGR policy projects (e.g., legislative changes).
- Oversee development, communication, and compliance of Research Degree Regulations.
- Provide PGR complaint/appeal support, coordinate review materials, and enhance student experience evaluations.
- Monitor student outcomes alignment with OfS/QAA standards.
- Collaborate with universal stakeholders to refine policies and systems.
- Manage funder scheme rules and internally funded studentships.
- Use the University PGR Committee’s annual reporting to drive process improvements.
- Represent student/staff interests in forums and externally on relevant panels.
- Promote PGR successes to partners, stakeholders, and prospective students.
Person Specification
Our community values diversity, supporting individuals regardless of past fit to the role.
Essential or Desirable Qualifications and Experience
| Criteria | Stage Assessed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Degree or equivalent qualification | Application | |
| Technical knowledge of PGR regulations | Application/Interview | Requires risk-aware oversight |
| Influence and persuasive communication | Application/Interview | Across internal/external stakeholders |
| Project delivery management | Application/Interview | Handling competing expectations and work styles |
| Team management & performance | Application/Interview | Balancing priorities |
| Long-term strategic context | Interview/Test | Considering external environments |
| People-focused service delivery | Application/Interview | Practical, sensitive solutions |
| Issue resolution with policy awareness | Application/Interview | Learning from experience pattern |
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Additional Notes
Requires a strategic understanding of PGR student journeys (desirable).
Job Details
- Grade: 8
- Line Manager: Assistant Director, RPI
- Direct Reports: PGR Manager, Research Degree Support Team Lead
- Website: Sheffield RPI
- Contact: Meera Warrier m.warrier@sheffield.ac.uk, 07355 675293
- Interviews: Week commencing 10 August 2026 (Invitations notified by week beginning 27 July).
- Support: Contact Alison Hunt a.m.hunt@sheffield.ac.uk for Equality of Opportunity.
- Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Benefits Overview:
- 41 days annual leave (purchaseable).
- Flexible/hybrid working where applicable.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Networking groups & Recognition Awards.
- Family-friendly policies (e.g., paid parenting/caring time, fertility support).
Learn more about benefits here.
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