Research Impact and Engagement Officer

Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking Research Impact and Engagement Officers to enhance their research's societal impact. Successful candidates will support REF2029 preparations and foster public engagement. This full-time role offers a salary of £39,162 - £44,052 per annum, with hybrid working options and extensive professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25 - 30 days annual leave

Hybrid working options

Health and wellbeing services

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and delivering research impact.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills for effective engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and analysis of REF2029 submission.
• Coordinate public engagement and maximize collaborative activities.

Skills

Research impact development

Public engagement

Organizational skills

Job description

Build a Rewarding Career.

Doing things differently.

Research Impact and Engagement Officer

£39,162 - £44,052 per annum

Full time/Fixed term - 3 years

Research Impact and Engagement at NTU

NTU is committed to empowering academics to deliver research with meaningful, far-reaching real-world impact across all disciplines. Following the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), where 86% of NTU’s impact was judged world-leading or internationally excellent, the University has significantly strengthened its impact culture and infrastructure.

We are now seeking two Research Impact and Engagement Officers to join our expanding team. The impact team leads NTU’s approach to enabling high-quality, engaged research and evidencing the benefits it generates. These new roles will increase capacity, support the Research Impact and Engagement Manager, work with Research Impact Champions, and help build capability for impact generation across the University.

About the Roles

Reporting to the Research Impact and Engagement Manager, the postholders will collaborate closely with School Research Impact Champions, REF Impact Case Study Leads, and professional colleagues across Research Strategy and Operations and Knowledge Exchange. They will contribute to two main areas:

1. REF2029 Preparation:
   Strong REF performance underpins NTU’s research funding and reputation. The officers will support the development, analysis, and preparation of all impact and engagement components of the REF2029 submission.
2. Engagement and External Collaboration:
   Public engagement, knowledge exchange, and non‑academic partnerships are central to NTU’s impact culture. The officers will help develop, coordinate, and maximise these activities to enhance the reach and significance of NTU research.

Successful candidates will be motivated by how research creates positive change, with an understanding of both the value and challenges of engaged and impactful research. They will demonstrate experience in developing and delivering research impact, quickly absorbing new information, and proactively connecting people, projects, and opportunities. Strong organisational skills and persistence are essential for working with researchers and partners to identify potential impact, support its development, and ensure that evidence of impact is effectively captured and recorded.

Interview date: 20th January 2026

About Us

The role sits within the University’s Research Strategy and Operations (RSO) Directorate, which has responsibility for research support functions spanning strategy, policy, governance, funding, partnership building, and impact. Developing highly functional relationships is an integral part of how we work and we strive to provide a high‑quality service to our academic community. We are working hard to build a positive, supportive, and enabling culture which includes a diverse team with a mix of experiences and backgrounds. We operate on a hybrid basis with the team spending some time every week co‑located, because we know the value of building relationships, sharing intelligence and ideas, and feeling part of something real, as well as maintaining a healthy work/life balance.

Join Us

• Hybrid working - we encourage and offer a mixture of office working and working from home. You're empowered to define how you work best for the benefits of your stakeholders.
• Flexibility - take ownership over how you get your work done. We're open to different working patterns and approaches.
• 25 - 30 days annual leave, plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata.
• Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection. Available to colleagues who choose to opt out of the contractual pension scheme. Minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%.
• Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings for all colleagues.
• Access to a wealth of formal and informal professional development opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• And a whole lot more…Find out more about the range of benefits we offer.

Come and be part of our success. Apply today.

Safe and Inclusive

At NTU, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our students and colleagues. By championing positive wellbeing, we promote an environment where all can thrive and reach their full potential. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team.

Please note that unfortunately, this role has been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points‑based immigration system however, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. For more information visit the Government Skilled Worker visa support page. However, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Please note that this role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.