SPARK The Midlands - East Midlands Director
| Posting date: | 07 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £66,537 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 July 2025 |
| Location: | Birmingham, West Midlands |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Aston University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 0415-25 |
Summary
Aston University is excited to be expanding the UK branch of the global SPARK Preclinical Innovation Accelerator into the East Midlands – and we are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking individual to lead this transformative initiative.
The East Midlands Director – SPARK UK will be responsible for establishing and overseeing the development and delivery of the new East Midlands branch of the SPARK Innovation Accelerator, a key part of the wider SPARK Global network.
You will be responsible for establishing and growing the East Midlands programme, building a strong cohort of translational research projects, managing key stakeholder relationships across academia, healthcare, and industry, and ensuring delivery of the programme’s ambitious objectives for innovation and impact.
The Director will report to the SPARK UK Director and collaborate closely with the broader SPARK Europe leadership team and the global SPARK network. A key focus of the role will be ensuring the long-term sustainability of the East Midlands branch beyond the initial three-year funding period.
The position is formally based at Aston University, but will primarily be located in the East Midlands to enable close engagement with regional partners and stakeholders.
What we offer:
Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
Great family-friendly policies.
On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found at the Aston University website.
The East Midlands Director – SPARK UK will be responsible for establishing and overseeing the development and delivery of the new East Midlands branch of the SPARK Innovation Accelerator, a key part of the wider SPARK Global network.
You will be responsible for establishing and growing the East Midlands programme, building a strong cohort of translational research projects, managing key stakeholder relationships across academia, healthcare, and industry, and ensuring delivery of the programme’s ambitious objectives for innovation and impact.
The Director will report to the SPARK UK Director and collaborate closely with the broader SPARK Europe leadership team and the global SPARK network. A key focus of the role will be ensuring the long-term sustainability of the East Midlands branch beyond the initial three-year funding period.
The position is formally based at Aston University, but will primarily be located in the East Midlands to enable close engagement with regional partners and stakeholders.
What we offer:
Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
Great family-friendly policies.
On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found at the Aston University website.
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