Impact Support Officer

Lancaster University; Bailrigg; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University is seeking an enthusiastic Impact Support Officer to join our research impact team and help prepare REF2029 case studies. You’ll gather evidence, analyse information and work with academics, impact managers and external partners to demonstrate the real-world impact of our world-leading research.

You’ll support the delivery of AHRC and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts, coordinate projects and monitor outcomes, while developing compelling, evidence-based content that

Qualifications

• Experience working in a research environment is desirable.
• Ability to collect and organise evidence to support impact case studies.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for clear, evidence-based content.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of REF2029 impact case studies.
• Collect, organise and analyse evidence of research impact.
• Collaborate with academics, Impact Development Managers, REF impact leads and external partners.
• Assist with drafting and refining case study content.
• Support administration of AHRC/EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts, coordinate projects and monitor outcomes.
• Work with the IAA Partnership Development Manager on impact funding schemes and events.
• Coordinate activities supporting Lancaster's wider research impact and REF2029 ambitions.
• Be part of a team delivering world-leading research with real-world impact.
• Seek secondment opportunities/internal applicants.

Skills

Organised communicator

Evidence gathering

Information analysis

Collaborative working

Proactivity

Job description

Are you a highly organised communicator with a talent for gathering evidence, analysing information and working collaboratively with others? Are you interested in helping demonstrate the real-world impact of world-leading research? We're looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Impact Support Officer to join Lancaster University's research impact team and play a vital role in preparing our submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029. Working alongside Impact Development Managers, academic colleagues and external partners, you'll help develop compelling impact case studies that demonstrate how Lancaster's research is making a difference to society, the economy and the environment. You'll also contribute to the delivery of Lancaster University's AHRC and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs), working closely with the IAA Partnership Development Manager to support impact funding programmes, stakeholder engagement activities and the development of new opportunities for research impact.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting the development and delivery of high-quality REF2029 impact case studies.
• Collecting, organising and analysing evidence that demonstrates the reach and significance of research impact.
• Working closely with academics, Impact Development Managers, REF impact leads and external partners to gather information and supporting materials.
• Assisting with drafting, editing and refining case study content to ensure it is clear, evidence-based and compelling.
• Supporting the delivery and administration of Lancaster University's AHRC and EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accounts, helping to coordinate projects, engage with external partners and monitor impacts arising from funded activities.
• Working closely with the IAA Partnership Development Manager to support impact funding schemes, events, reporting activities and initiatives that help researchers translate their work into real-world benefits.
• Helping coordinate activities that support Lancaster University's wider research impact and REF2029 ambitions.
• Be part of a team supporting world-leading research with real-world impact.
• Gain valuable experience across both REF2029 preparation and nationally funded impact programmes.
• Work in a flexible and supportive environment that values collaboration and innovation.
• Full-time, part-time and flexible working arrangements will be considered.
• Looking for a secondment opportunity? We'd be delighted to hear from internal applicants interested in developing their experience in research impact, stakeholder engagement and research support.

About the Role

This position is currently available until 31 March 2027, with the potential for extension until 31 December 2028, subject to funding.

Research Services is part of Lancaster University's Research and Enterprise Services Division and provides expert advice, guidance and support to the University's research community. The team plays a key role in enabling research excellence and ensuring that Lancaster's research delivers benefits beyond academia.

Someone with experience of working in a research environment, ideally within Higher Education.

An excellent communicator who can engage confidently with academics, professional services colleagues, external collaborators and research end-users.

Someone with strong organisational skills who can manage competing priorities and work proactively to meet deadlines.

A detail-oriented individual with experience of gathering, managing and analysing information and evidence.

Knowledge of the research impact landscape and REF would be an advantage.

A team player who enjoys working collaboratively to support impactful and ambitious research.