Engaged Research and Impact Manager

QUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

QUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST seeks a dynamic professional to lead the Engaged Research and Impact programme within the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. You will coordinate activities across ROI, NI and GB to deliver an integrated engagement strategy, develop pathways to impact, and create compelling impact case studies.

The role requires a proven track record in engaging diverse audiences and managing multi-partner initiatives, with a strong emphasis on monitoring, evaluation and external

Qualifications

• Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject.
• Proven track record in leading public engagement with science/research.
• Experience managing impact and engaged research activity within an academic environment.
• Knowledge of engaged research methodologies and evaluation methods.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Engaged Research and Impact agenda across three jurisdictions.
• Coordinate and implement an integrated engaged research programme.
• Develop and mobilise pathways to impact and develop impact case studies.
• Ensure achievement of KPIs and secure external funding.
• Collaborate with funders, co-directors and Co-Centre Manager.

Skills

Public engagement leadership

Science communication

Project management

Networking across sectors

Evaluation methodologies

Education

Honours degree in any subject

Job description

Organisation/Company QUEENS UNIVERSITY BELFAST Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems has an ambitious programme of work which aims to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system in the transition to healthy diets form sustainable sources. It encompasses a research programme from plant science to nutrition and public health across three jurisdictions - the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB). The Co-Centre will foster research and innovation to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector.

The post holder will drive the Engaged Research and Impactagenda within the Co-Centre. Working closely across the three jurisdictions, the post holder will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing an ambitious and integrated engaged research programme, develop and mobalise pathways to impact and develop impact case studies from the ongoing research. They will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the Co-Centre's KPIs and for securing additional external funding to expand all engaged research and impact activities. They will link closely with the funder(s) engaged research Programmes. They will report to the Co-Directors and Co-Centre Manager.

The successful candidate must have and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject.
• Proven track record in leading and overseeing initiatives in public engagement with science/research, and/or science learning, including experience of participatory or co-creative approaches.
• Significant relevant experience managing impact and engaged research activity within an academic environment to include:
  • Knowledge of engaged research methodologies and evaluation methods.
  • Knowledge of monititoring pathways to impact while similtanously identifying and developing impact case studies.
  • Strong networking and consultative skills, with the ability to grow professional relationships across diverse sectors.
  • Ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences through dialogic, participatory, and creative approaches.
  • Proven ability to manage complex, multi-partner programmes, including partnerships with civil society and cultural organisations.
  • Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact frameworks.
  • Experience designing and implementing mixed-methods evaluation frameworks, including qualitative, creative, and participatory approaches.
  • Project management experience associated with the development, delivery, reporting and monitoring systems for programmes, publications, and events.

This is not an exhaustive list. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 29 months.Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.