Job Description

About The Role

A vital participant in the Scottish Imaging Network: A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) is a partnership involving six higher education institutions (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Stirling, and Strathclyde), featuring three specialized imaging research facilities actively engaged in scientific discovery.

The SINAPSE initiative receives financial support from its member universities and encompasses a network of over 600 scholars and pupils throughout Scotland. While the successful candidate will be officially contracted by the University of Glasgow, they are required to function with total neutrality across the entire SINAPSE partnership.

The individual in this position will be answerable to the Director and the Executive Committee, holding responsibility for the overarching administration of SINAPSE via creative leadership, streamlined coordination of efforts, and the maximization of asset utilization. The appointee will guarantee rigorous oversight of fiscal accounts, including personnel and finance; preserve the initiative’s local and global standing through high-impact publicity and branding; oversee interactions and dialogue with various stakeholders; ensure precise project oversight for multi-site programs; and pinpoint ventures with potential for external financial support.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee the administration, alignment, and execution of project deliverables for the entire group to assist SINAPSE in achieving its broad vision.
Formulate and implement a networking, dialogue, and branding plan that boosts the local and global reputation of SINAPSE, increasing its international profile.
Act as the SINAPSE delegate at official and casual gatherings locally, nationally, and internationally, including interactions with the six member Universities, the Scottish Funding Council, UK research bodies, philanthropic groups, and commercial sectors.
Construct and oversee alliances with SINAPSE member schools and external entities.
Promote, assist, and facilitate scientific partnerships with associates across SINAPSE and the broader professional circle (such as Industrial Partners and the NHS).
Deliver strategic and operational guidance to the Director and subgroup heads on all functional areas, including identifying vital hurdles and openings to ensure proactive management.
Lead the creation of a durable fiscal plan to ensure the long-term viability of the network.
Manage assets to ensure target achievement, encompassing the oversight of fiscal allocations and the strategic movement of surplus capital within the partnership.
Spearhead the identification of funding avenues and coordinate the creation of bids to obtain capital from external and internal sources for future scientific work.
Direct group seminars, workshops, and gatherings to improve the collective output and workplace ethos of the network.
Contribute significantly to the network’s recruitment, public engagement, and instructional programs.
Maintain current awareness regarding contemporary breakthroughs and knowledge within the scientific field.
Guarantee the successful execution of SINAPSE programs, including annual scientific conferences, seminars, and seed capital distribution.
Supervise branding and dissemination, including the administration of the network’s digital presence and communication platforms.
Manage the partnership’s administrative reporting to member universities, including the drafting of end-of-grant and yearly summaries.
Operate with high levels of autonomy while performing other professional duties as directed by the network’s head.
Optional: Allocate up to one-fifth of professional time toward imaging-centric scientific research ventures.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Educational Foundation: Degree or postgraduate credential (SCQF level 9-11) in a scientific field like biomedical engineering, physics, or medicine.
Technical Literacy: Practical understanding of imaging science relevant to the network and awareness of research ethics, GCP mandates, and clinical trial protocols.
Professional Competencies: Superior leadership, multi-site project oversight, and fiscal administration talents. Ability to communicate across diverse tiers and negotiate in complex settings.
Sector Experience: Background in clinical or academic scientific environments, specifically managing multi-site projects and overseeing complex budgets.
Personal Attributes: Proactive, self-motivated, and capable of solving problems with a pragmatic, flexible mindset under minimal oversight.

Job Data Table

Category	Details
Company Name	University of Glasgow
Location	Glasgow, United Kingdom
Locality	City of Glasgow
Country	United Kingdom
City	Glasgow
Region	Scotland
Job Type	Full-time
Salaries	£50,253 – £58,225 per annum
Experience Level	Management (Grade 8)
Travel	Local, national, and international representation
Language	English
Benefits	41 days leave, pension, flexible working, sport membership

Skills & Competency Table

Key Skill	Proficiency Level
Project Management	Expert
Financial Management	Advanced
Stakeholder Engagement	Expert
Scientific Communication	Advanced
Grant Writing/Fundraising	Advanced
Strategic Planning	Advanced

Salaries Pay Calculator Table

Annual Salary	Bonus	Total Compensation	Notes
£50,253 – £58,225	N/A	£50,253 – £58,225	Salary is based on University Grade 8 scales.

Job Summary

The SINAPSE Operations Manager coordinates a high-profile imaging research collaboration between six Scottish universities. Reporting to the Executive Committee, you will manage multi-centre projects, oversee budgets, and drive international marketing. This role requires a scientific background, expert stakeholder management, and the ability to secure funding for long-term sustainability.

FAQs

Is this role exclusively based at the University of Glasgow? While employed by Glasgow, you must work impartially across all six partner universities in Scotland.
Is a PhD required for this position? No, a PhD is desirable but not essential; an Ordinary or Honours degree in a relevant scientific area is the minimum requirement.
What is the duration of the funding for this post? The role is open-ended with funding currently secured until January 31, 2028.
Can I still conduct research in this role? Yes, up to 20% of your time can optionally be dedicated to imaging-related research projects.
What is the holiday allowance? Full-time staff receive a generous 41 days of annual leave.

Expert Analysis

This is a sophisticated “Network Orchestrator” role within the Scottish higher education landscape. It demands a rare blend of scientific literacy (understanding imaging GCP and ethics) and corporate-level operational management. Success relies on diplomatic neutrality—balancing the competing interests of six prestigious universities while presenting a unified, world-class brand to international funders.

Location & Logistics Guide

Glasgow is a global hub for life sciences and clinical research. The University of Glasgow’s main campus is located in the West End, well-served by the Subway and bus networks. The role requires travel across Scotland to partner sites in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Stirling, and Strathclyde.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow

Career Path

From Operations Manager, a common progression is toward Director of Research Operations or Head of Strategic Partnerships within the HE sector. The role’s focus on multi-centre clinical trials and industrial liaison also makes it an excellent springboard for senior leadership roles within NHS Research & Development or Commercial MedTech sectors.

To apply for this job please visit www.jobs.gla.ac.uk.