Research Culture and Evaluation Manager

Durham University; Pity Me; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Culture and Evaluation Manager to enhance research culture. This role involves supporting the development and evaluation of research culture initiatives across departments. Ideal candidates will have experience in the Higher Education sector and a degree-level education. The position is based in Pity Me and supports hybrid working arrangements. Competitive benefits include generous leave, pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Development courses and apprenticeships

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Experience of working in the Higher Education sector.
• Knowledge and expertise in delivering services, events, and activities.
• Experience of providing specialist advice to colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of the new Charter for Researchers.
• Enable implementation, data analysis, and evaluation of initiatives.
• Work across teams to support joined-up approaches for research ambition.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong digital competence

Ability to work collaboratively

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

Job Description – Research Culture and Evaluation Manager (25001683)

Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides guidance, expert advice and hands‑on support for all aspects of research and research‑related work, including securing funding, working with partners, undertaking knowledge exchange, demonstrating impact, commercialising outputs, ensuring good research practice and supporting professional development.

The Research Culture team leads on strategic priorities to enhance research culture across our organisation as part of our Research and Engagement Strategy. This includes ‘Flourish at Durham’, the University’s research culture vision, values and actions.

As Research Culture and Evaluation Manager you will support the generation, delivery and evaluation of research culture activities across the Flourish at Durham portfolio, enabling colleagues to thrive and flourish. The post-holder will work within the research culture team and in collaboration with other key units such as the Researcher Development team in the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD) and the EDI Team to:

• Support the development, communication and implementation of the University’s new Charter for Researchers alongside the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers;
• Enable the implementation, data analysis and evaluation of research culture initiatives and actions in academic departments and university research institutes;
• Work across academic departments and professional services directorates to support the joined‑up approach to enabling research ambition, with a particular focus on early and mid‑career research culture development;
• Embed evaluation into research culture activities across Flourish at Durham;
• Contribute to both internal and external networks that enable research culture progress and undertake professional development and good practice exchange in research and innovation culture.

We believe this role presents an excellent opportunity for candidates to develop a career in research and innovation culture. We welcome applications from individuals with strong transferable skills and experience from different careers and sectors, potentially in organisational change, researcher or research development, or data analysis and evaluation methods.

The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional serviceshub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. It supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working.

Working arrangements

This role is full‑time (35 hours/week) but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares. It is expected that this role will be predominantly face‑to‑face on campus. Some scope for hybrid working arrangements in agreement with line manager, but this post will not be fully remote.

Working at Durham

• You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year (the University closes between Christmas and New Year).
• We offer a generous pension scheme; as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Parking across campus, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, discount with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Comprehensive development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications.
• Health and wellbeing support: discounted membership for state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On‑site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Generous maternity and adoption leave policies.
• Opportunities for volunteering and exclusive discounts via our benefits portal.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for tax savings on benefits.
• Relocation support if you are moving to Durham, including assistance with removal costs, house hunting and schools. We cover most visa costs and provide an interest‑free loan scheme for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We actively work towards providing an environment where staff and students can study, work and live in a supportive and inclusive community.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of under‑represented groups including people with disabilities, women and Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, feel it relevant, let us know in your application.

Person specification – What you need to demonstrate when you apply

Qualifications / Experience

• A robust understanding, interest in, and passion for research culture.
• Experience of working within and supporting a team towards a collective endeavour.
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
• Knowledge and expertise in delivery and development of services, events, and activities within an organisation.
• Experience of implementing policies and procedures, and supporting change and service improvements.
• Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including senior colleagues.
• Experience of maintaining effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice, develop strong relationships and positively influence the University’s reputation.
• Experience of working in the Higher Education sector.
• Experience of using evaluation methods and frameworks.

Skills / Abilities / Knowledge

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with diverse stakeholders, fostering a culture of respect and care.
• Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365.
• Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.
• Knowledge and experience ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
• Ability to solve problems and plan appropriate solutions.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria in the person specification above. We will consider any desirable criteria at the discretion of the recruiting panel.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you throughout the selection process via automated emails. Please check spam/junk folders.

What you need to submit

• A CV.
• A covering letter detailing your experience, strengths and potential, and specifically how you satisfy each essential criterion.

Contact details

For a chat about the role or any further information please contact: [e-mail]

Useful links

• Find out more about Durham’s research culture: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/current/research-culture/
• Privacy Statement and Notices: https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/privacy-statement