REF Programme Officer - AD2920

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

USS Pension 14.5%

Hybrid working

Staff discount

Free staff parking

Carshare & Cycle to Work

LinkedIn Learning

34 Days Annual Leave

Job summary

The University of St Andrews is seeking a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Programme Officer to support delivery of the University's REF 2029 preparations. Working within the central REF team, the postholder will coordinate activities across Schools, Units of Assessment and professional services to ensure effective planning, monitoring and delivery.

The role focuses on SPRE elements of the REF submission, involving evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement, narrative development, quality

Qualifications

• Strong project management, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate key aspects of the REF programme across Schools, Units of Assessment and professional services.
• Support evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement, narrative development, quality assurance and submission readiness.
• Monitor and deliver activities to ensure timely REF2029 preparations.

Job description

The University of St Andrews is seeking to appoint a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Programme Officer to support delivery of the University's preparations for REF 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in one of the most significant strategic activities undertaken by the University. Working as part of the central REF team within Research & Innovation Services (RIS), the postholder will coordinate key aspects of the University's REF programme, ensuring activity is effectively planned, monitored and delivered across Schools, Units of Assessment and professional services teams.

The role will have a particular focus on delivery of the Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) elements of the University's REF submission. This will involve working closely with academic and professional services colleagues to support evidence gathering, stakeholder engagement, narrative development, quality assurance and submission readiness.

We are seeking a highly organised and collaborative individual with strong project management, communication and analytical skills. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with complex information, managing multiple priorities and building effective relationships across a wide range of internal stakeholders.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience of institutional research strategy, research assessment and programme management within a highly successful research-intensive university.

For further information and informal enquiries, please contact Jaclyn Suttie at [e-mail].

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews.

• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions of 14.5%
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

Closing date: 23 October 2026

Interview date: TBC

Research and Innovation Services

Salary: Grade 6 / £38,784 - £46,049 pa

Start date: As soon as possible

Full time

Fixed term: Until December 2028