Head of Research Advancement Office

Do you want to work at the heart of research, contribute to the development of JU’s research support, and help create the best possible conditions for outstanding research?

We are now seeking an engaged and development-oriented Head of the Research Advancement Office who wants to build and lead our new research support department.

With us, you will have a key role in strengthening researchers’ ability to attract external funding, run successful projects, and generate societal impact from research results.

About the role

As Head of the department, you will be responsible for building and leading JU’s research support. The department works closely with researchers and leadership and provides support throughout the entire research process – from idea and application to implementation, follow-up, and impact.

You will lead a team of highly qualified staff, several of whom have a research background, and you will be responsible for operations, personnel, and budget. The role includes developing effective processes, identifying new opportunities for research funding, and contributing strategically to JU’s research development.

The work is carried out in close collaboration with researchers, faculty leadership, administrative functions, and external funders.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Lead, develop, and build up the research support department and its staff
• Lead and develop the work of driving and contributing to research applications nationally and internationally — from strategic positioning to completed applications
• Analyze and monitor the funding landscape, research policy, and regulatory frameworks, and translate these into concrete opportunities for JU’s researchers
• Develop the unit’s processes and ways of working to ensure a proactive and researcher-focused approach
• Lead and develop the integration of AI tools in the research process and within the unit’s own work
• Lead and develop JU’s work on research data and open science
• Coordinate research-related activities and initiatives across JU
• Represent JU in national and international forums related to research funding and research policy
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with funders, policy actors, and higher education networks
• Contribute to JU’s overall strategy for research development and external funding

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who holds a doctoral degree and has:

• Experience in leading externally funded research, preferably with international project collaborations
• Experience in research support, research administration, or research management
• Experience in leadership, project management, or organizational development
• Good knowledge of research funding and the research system in Sweden and internationally
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written
• If the candidate does not speak Swedish at the start of employment, they are expected to acquire Swedish to a functional level within two years
• Experience working in EU-funded projects is considered an advantage
• Managerial experience with both staff and budget responsibility is considered an advantage

Who are you?

We are looking for a confident and inspiring leader with the ability to create engagement and clarity in a complex environment. You are someone who works based on trust and values creating a positive work environment in your immediate surroundings. You are strategic, collaborative, and have a genuine interest in the conditions and development of research. You thrive in a role where you can combine leadership, development work, and close collaboration with researchers.

We offer you

• A strategically important role in a dynamic research environment
• The opportunity to influence and develop the university’s research support
• Engaged colleagues and a stimulating work environment
• A workplace where knowledge, collaboration, and development are at the center

Information

The position is a permanent, full-time role, starting on a mutually agreed date

Application

Welcome to submit your application no later than April 26, 2026.

Attachments should preferably be in PDF format and include:

• CV
• Cover letter

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Eva Gipperth, University Director.

Jönköping University is a modern institution, characterised by internationalisation and an entrepreneurial spirit. We attract highly qualified, inventive and enterprising people from all around the world. We develop new knowledge and share our expertise through solid collaborations with industry and business, the public sector and other higher education institutions. We offer an equal and inclusive workplace and we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit www.ju.se