Research Data Coordinator

Leeds Beckett University; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a proactive Research Data Co‑ordinator to manage REF-related data and support broader research initiatives. The role involves validating and analyzing strategic data, developing robust databases, and providing expert advice to academic colleagues. Ideal candidates will have experience in research data management within higher education, along with excellent customer service skills. This is an engaging opportunity with competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working

Subsidised fitness facilities

Excellent annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• Existing experience in research data management is essential.
• In-depth knowledge of compliance and reporting within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrable experience supporting REF submissions or equivalent assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead collection, validation, and analysis of REF-related data.
• Develop and improve databases to capture REF metrics.
• Provide expert advice on data-related aspects of REF and governance.
• Support the Research Excellence Manager in the REF online submission system.

Skills

Research data management

Data analysis

Customer service

Compliance with GDPR

Strong communication skills

Education

Experience in higher education environment

Tools

Research databases

Data reporting tools

Job description

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Research & Enterprise Services as we recruit a Research Data Co‑ordinator to join our team. We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Research Data Co‑ordinator to support the University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) preparations and broader research data initiatives. This role will focus mainly on the management, analysis, and reporting of data related to the REF elements of contribution to knowledge & understanding, engagement & impact, people, culture & environment, equality, along with equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) data, and wider within the research support ecosystem.

The post holder will be line managed by the Research Excellence Manager and work closely with the wider Research & Enterprise Team and other professional services, providing outstanding levels of customer service to both internal & external stakeholders, and developing strong working relationships with colleagues in Research and Enterprise Services, the Academic Schools, and other central services including Financial Services, Student Services, Digital Services, and HR.

The successful candidate will

• Lead on the collection, validation, and analysis of REF‑related data and metrics, including contribution to knowledge & understanding (outputs), engagement & impact (impact case studies), and people, culture & environment, to inform strategic decision‑making for REF related purposes.
• Lead on the development and improvement of databases and digital systems to capture, record and report the REF related metrics, ensuring accurate data is available in a timely manner to all colleagues who are preparing submissions.
• Develop and maintain robust systems for tracking and analysing EDI‑related data in the context of REF, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and sector guidance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to academic and professional colleagues on data‑related aspects of REF and research governance. Draft and present reports at various senior groups and committees within LBU’s research governance including the REF Strategy Panel, REF Data Assurance group, Research Impact Group and research committees within the schools.
• Contribute to the university’s research integrity agenda by supporting the collation of data and evidence for research integrity reporting, auditing, and data monitoring.
• Support the collation of data for and managing responses to consultations of the funding bodies.
• Support the Research Excellence Manager in the population of the REF online submission system, including ensuring all data / input requirements are completed and verified. This will involve collaborating with colleagues in Schools and other services as required.
• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with institutional and external requirements (e.g. GDPR, UKRI, HEIF, REF, HE‑BCI). Build effective relationships with Academic Schools, IT, Library, Finance, HR, and external partners to ensure joined‑up service delivery, and champion best practice in data management, and customer service.

This is an engaging opportunity for a self‑motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our University, and the role would be ideal for someone with existing experience in, and in‑depth knowledge of, research data management, compliance, analytics, reporting within a HE environment, and demonstrable experience of supporting REF submissions or equivalent national research assessments.

The post offers a competitive salary with an excellent annual leave allowance and pension scheme, and access to several staff benefits including NUS membership. You will have the chance to be involved in projects and events and have excellent training and networking opportunities both internal and external to the University.

To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Stuart Morris (Research Excellence Manager) at [e-mail].

Closing date Wednesday 7th January 2026 (23.59)

Interview Date Tuesday 20th January 2026 (this is subject to change)

Working here means you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities and a lot more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under‑represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.