Head of Collaborative, Research and Development

This is a PEACEPLUS funded project. As Head of Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D) at Catalyst, you will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of cross-sector research and innovation programmes and partnerships that will deliver measurable regional impact, unlock commercial potential, and contribute to long-term economic development.

This is a senior role with responsibility for a multi-disciplinary team and the successful delivery of a portfolio of research & development projects that bridge academia, industry, and government. It is the ideal role for a collaborative, delivery-focused leader with a deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, experience managing complex programmes, and a passion for creating value through research and technology-led solutions.

ONEHEALTH: A transformative, cross-border initiative integrating human, animal and environmental health using AI and data innovation.

NWCAM2:
Empowering SMEs in Health and Life Sciences to adopt sustainable, advanced manufacturing solutions.

We are a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology innovation in Northern Ireland with buildings and hubs in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry where companies can use our flexible work spaces to operate from. We use the profits generated from our property portfolio to deliver entrepreneurial support programmes, facilitate funding, inform policy and accelerate technology-based research and development, by linking with academia and government.

A certified Great Place to Work and recognised as one of the top 100 Workplaces in the UK for 2024, receiving awards for Best Place to Work, Best Workplace for Development, Best Workplace for Employee Wellbeing, and Best Place to Work for Women, Catalyst is one of Northern Irelands most exciting employers.

With a strong vision of Opportunity for all from world-leading innovation, this is a workplace brimming with ambition to create social, cultural, and economic advantage. We are a force for good, bold in our approach with integrity at our core and passion in everything we do.

Diversity and inclusion arent boxes to tick on a CSR list. At Catalyst, they are part of our DNA, lived, breathed, seen, and heard across our community, projects, and co-working spaces.

We not only want to foster and empower a culture of innovation, but also an environment where people can be their true, authentic self and thrive, and we are proud to be recognised by the Diversity Charter for achieving silver status, with ambitions to progress to Gold.

As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based solely on the individuals ability to perform the role, and thats allowed us to create an inclusive workplace which celebrates the diversity of our teams and community.

Full time, posts funded until 30th September 2029.

Attractive benefits package

Competitive salary between £50,000 – £60,000 depending on qualifications/experience.

Based in Belfast, Titanic Quarter.

Reporting to Director of Innovation Partnerships.

Competitive Benefits Package including Private medical insurance for you and your dependents

Generous life assurance policy

Enhanced parental leave packages

Hybrid working options available

Free open access to company organised events.

Catalyst is seeking a strategic, credible and collaborative leader who can:

Navigate multi-stakeholder environments to broker partnerships and deliver on strategic objectives.

Lead and support a team to deliver high-quality, high-impact collaborative R&D programmes.

Represent Catalyst in senior stakeholder discussions and regional innovation forums playing a visible leadership role in shaping policy and practice.

Develop and lead Catalysts CR&D strategy aligned to organisational mission and regional innovation priorities.

Provide senior leadership for a portfolio of complex, cross-border innovation programmes including design, delivery, and evaluation of outcomes.

Lead and support a multi-disciplinary team to deliver against…