Research Impact and Engagement Manager

University of the West of Scotland; Paisley; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Scottish university is seeking a Research Impact & Engagement Manager to enhance its research capabilities. The successful candidate will lead impact planning efforts, forge partnerships with external organizations, and create compelling case studies for national assessments. Ideal applicants should have a relevant degree and demonstrated experience in driving research impact across various disciplines. This is a permanent role located in Paisley with competitive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

24 days of annual leave

Additional day off for birthday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Employee discount scheme

Fitness facilities on campus

Access to health and wellbeing resources

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience enabling research impact and public engagement across multiple disciplines.
• Strong record of partnership working to translate research into outcomes.
• Skilled in impact planning, evaluation and evidence gathering.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate research impact and public engagement at UWS.
• Co-create impact plans with PIs and research groups.
• Build partnerships with organizations to establish pathways to impact.

Skills

Research impact facilitation

Public engagement

Partnership building

Impact planning

Communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

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Research Services

Paisley Campus with travel to other campuses and external locations as required.

Permanent

This role may be eligible for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If requiring visa sponsorship, the successful applicant will also need to meet a range of individual criteria to satisfy Home Office requirements. If the role is offered on a part-time basis, this might also affect eligibility.

Applicants are encouraged to individually assess whether they may be eligible for visa sponsorship prior to applying. More information on eligibility can be found on the Government website .

THE POST - REQ000448 - Research Impact & Engagement Manager

UWS is hiring a Research Impact & Engagement Manager to lead and grow our impact and public engagement capability. You'll embed impact planning across the University, build external partnerships, and develop compelling case studies for future national assessment exercises. We're looking for a strategic, hands‑on specialist who can influence through collaboration, equip academics with practical tools and training, and evidence outcomes that matter for people, places and the economy.

You will have senior visibility and real scope to shape how UWS's research benefits society, business and the economy‑within a collaborative community guided by our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusivity and Accountability.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Proven experience enabling research impact and public engagement across multiple disciplines.
• Strong record of partnership working to translate research into outcomes.
• Skilled in impact planning, evaluation and evidence gathering; able to craft clear, accessible narratives.
• Confident communicator and project manager who influences through collaboration and delivers at pace.

What you will be doing:

• Lead and coordinate research impact and public engagement at UWS, defining the approach and providing practical standards, training and tools colleagues can use immediately.
• Co-create impact plans with PIs and research groups from idea to adoption, defining beneficiaries, pathways and measures.
• Build partnerships with public, private and third‑sector organisations to co‑design activities and establish clear, evidence‑based pathways to impact.
• Develop, evidence and write high‑quality impact case studies for future national research assessment exercises.

ABOUT US

The University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland's largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought‑after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world‑leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting‑edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings)

Our professional services teams are the backbone of UWS, providing robust and innovative solutions to support the vast range of work across learning and teaching, and research and innovation. You will join a supportive and dedicated team, playing a key role in a range of work that will help drive forward our ambition to deliver world‑leading research, and graduates who will design, shape and build a new future.

Enquiries: Helen Kennedy, Head of Research - [e-mail]

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work‑life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Monday 2nd February 2026

Interview Date: Friday 13th February 2026

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided).

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a Disability Confident employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520