Head of Research Excellence & Impact (CC13222)

University of Bath; Bath; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Bath is seeking an expert to lead the REF submissions, engaging with academic and professional staff. This role involves overseeing a team focused on embedding best practices for research impact across the University. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with REF processes and strong communication skills. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a positive work-life balance.

Benefits

Free counselling services

Cycle to work scheme

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

Staff discount at Team Bath gym

Generous employer pension schemes

Relocation allowance

Visa reimbursement

Interest‑Free Loan for immigration expenses

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing or supporting REF submissions from a professional services perspective.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the institutional expert and point of contact for REF submissions.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the University.
• Lead a team to develop best practices for research impact.

Skills

Expert knowledge of REF 2029 criteria

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strong project management

Ability to form strategic relationships

Job description

The University of Bath's research is helping to change the world for the better. Our strong reputation for research is evidenced through the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), where 92% of our research was classified as world‑leading or internationally excellent.

Responsibilities

• Be the key institutional expert and point of contact for REF, working with a high degree of autonomy to enhance our REF submissions.
• Collaborate with academic and professional services colleagues across the University, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and other senior stakeholders.
• Lead a team of dedicated research impact and research culture specialists in developing and embedding best practice across the University.
• A collaborative, team-focused approach to leading projects from conception to delivery to strict deadlines.
• A good understanding of research processes, outputs, impact and culture and related data and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to form long‑term strategic relationships and influence senior decision makers.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of managing or supporting submissions to REF exercise from a professional services perspective, and expert knowledge of the REF 2029 criteria.

Benefits

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest‑Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us on X and LinkedIn.