Ecosystem Lead (Senior Research Fellow) – 0.6 FTE
Lead strategic ecosystem development for a £450K+ research network in sustainable computing futures.
Best for:Best for experienced researchers or professionals with expertise in systems thinking, policy, or future studies and a proven track record in building cross-sector networks and strategic stakeholder engagement.
Overview
This part-time (0.6 FTE) role at Queen’s University Belfast focuses on shaping the global ecosystem for FortranFuture, an EPSRC-funded Network+ initiative. The successful candidate will drive community engagement, foresight analysis, and sustainable network growth beyond the project’s lifespan. Responsibilities include strategic oversight of flexible funding allocation, stakeholder relationship management, and securing future funding. The position requires collaboration with project leads, advisory boards, and external partners across academia, industry, and government. Fixed-term until 31 August 2029 with potential renewal.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement strategies to build, grow, and sustain a global research network beyond the project’s funded lifetime.
- Conduct foresight analysis to identify future opportunities and challenges for the computing ecosystem.
- Oversee the allocation of approximately £450K in flexible funding to support network activities and initiatives.
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including academics, industry partners, government agencies, and public bodies, to align strategic goals.
- Organize strategic events and engagement activities to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Contribute to the strategic oversight of the FortranFuture project, including securing future funding opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with project leads, advisory boards, and professional services teams to ensure cohesive network development.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in a relevant professional or research area such as systems thinking, meta-science, policy, scenario planning, or future studies, or equivalent professional experience and training.
Language: English; proficiency required for effective communication and collaboration in a multilingual academic and professional environment.
Instruction: English
- Substantial experience in successfully networking and building relationships with diverse stakeholders at national and international levels.
- Proven ability to build, grow, or coordinate communities, networks, or membership bases.
- Experience in organizing strategic events and engagement activities.
- Strong understanding of systems thinking, meta-science, policy, or scenario planning.
- Experience in strategic foresight, roadmapping, and future studies.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- No age or prior experience caps explicitly stated.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-28
Applicants must submit a CV and a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria via the external application portal. Ensure your application clearly evidences your experience in networking, stakeholder engagement, and strategic foresight. Further details on desirable criteria are available on the university’s website.
- CV
- Cover letter demonstrating experience and fit for the role
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