OverviewIOG is a technology company focused on blockchain research and development. We are renowned for our scientific approach to blockchain development, emphasizing peer-reviewed research and formal methods to ensure security, scalability, and sustainability. Our projects include the Cardano blockchain, as well as other products in the areas of decentralized finance (DeFi), governance, and identity management, aiming to advance the capabilities and adoption of blockchain and Web3 technology globally.What the role involvesThe Vice President of Research Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across the organization\'s global research ecosystem. This role oversees multiple research functions – including partnerships, grants, compliance, and strategic research initiatives – ensuring alignment with enterprise-wide objectives and innovation priorities.Operating as part of the executive leadership team and serving on the IOG Operating Council, the VP defines and drives the organization\'s research operations strategy, ensuring that all programs are efficiently executed, ethically governed, and effectively funded. This leader is both a strategic builder and an operator, defaulting to collaboration and actively reducing organizational silos. This includes developing a sustainable research funding framework, fostering high-value academic and industry partnerships, and optimizing operational processes that enable world-class scientific outcomes.Success in this role is reflected through enhanced research impact, optimized resource utilization, and a cohesive, high-performing research culture that supports innovation and thought leadership across the enterprise.Strategic LeadershipDefine and lead the overall research operations strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise vision and long-term innovation goalsDrive operational excellence across all research programs, fostering efficiency, scalability, and impactDevelop multi-year strategic plans for research funding, partnership growth, and resource allocationCollaborate with C-level executives to shape cross-departmental initiatives that connect research outputs to business and technology strategy, with a focus on integrating research roadmaps and requirements into the Product/software development planning cyclesResearch Partnership & Grant StrategyOversee a global portfolio of research partnerships with universities, government agencies, industry consortia, and innovation bodiesLead enterprise-wide grant management and funding acquisition, ensuring diversification of research revenue streamsEstablish governance frameworks to ensure compliance with grant and funding regulations, ethical standards, and data securityRepresent the organization in global research networks, advisory boards, and strategic consortiums to advance influence and visibilityOperational Excellence & GovernanceBuild and optimize processes for proposal development, project delivery, monitoring, and reporting across research teamsOversee budgets for research programs and operational functions, ensuring efficient allocation of financial and human capitalDefine and monitor metrics for research impact, outcomes, and ROI to guide strategic decision-making and continuous improvementActively reduce operational inefficiencies and modernize research delivery through the strategic adoption of AI, data analytics, and workflow automationDevelop and monitor interactions between research and other units and divisions within the company to ensure high impact of research, knowledge transfer, timely dissemination and requirements communicationLeadership, Culture, and Capability DevelopmentLead and mentor a team to deliver high-quality research outcomes and foster a culture of accountability and innovation, while embodying servant leadership and promoting proactive planningEstablish frameworks for succession planning, workforce capability development, and leadership coaching across research functionsChampion a culture of inclusion, ethical conduct, and collaboration across academic and industry research partnershipsExternal Representation & Thought LeadershipAct as a senior spokesperson and ambassador for the IOG\'s research mission at global conferences, consortia, and policy forumsShape and influence the external funding landscape by engaging with key stakeholders, donors, and government bodiesRequirementsWho you areDesirable: PhD in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related research field.Desirable: Advanced leadership or management certification (e.g., Executive MBA, research leadership training)12+ years in research management, partnerships, or operations roles, Desirable: with at least 5 years at a senior leadership levelDemonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar research portfolios and funding strategiesExperience leading multi-disciplinary, multi-stakeholder research programs across academia, industry, and governmentProven experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and large-scale operational transformationEstablished network within research funding agencies, universities, and technology innovation ecosystemsKnowledge of blockchain, distributed ledger technologies, or emerging tech research landscapesExecutive communication and stakeholder influence at C-level and industry forumsStrategic leadership and people development across multiple functionsAdaptability, cultural intelligence, and collaboration across diverse global teamsDecision-making under complexity with strong ethical and compliance orientationEnterprise-level strategic thinking and cross-functional alignmentFinancial acumen in multi-program research funding and budget oversightPolicy and governance leadership in research integrity and complianceInnovation mindset with focus on continuous improvement and impact measurementIn-depth understanding of research operations, academic collaboration models, and funding ecosystemsStrong grasp of data-driven research management, KPI frameworks, and research information systemsExpertise in large-scale grant and partnership portfolio management across government, academic, and industry ecosystemsProven record of developing global research strategies, policies, and governance frameworksBenefitsRemote workLaptop reimbursementNew starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)Learning & Development opportunitiesCompetitive PTOAt IOG, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and empowered to succeed. We welcome people of all backgrounds and ensure that employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and potential. Everyone is given equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.Seniority levelSeniority level: ExecutiveEmployment typeEmployment type: Full-timeJob functionJob function: ResearchIndustriesIndustries: Non-profit Organizations and Primary and Secondary EducationWe are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Input Output Group. Get notified about new Vice President Research jobs in United Kingdom. #J-18808-Ljbffr