Research Impact Officer

SOAS, University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Flexible working

Pension

Learning and development

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Enhanced family leave

Employee assistance programme

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

SOAS, University of London is seeking a Research Impact Officer in Bloomsbury, London. You will join the Research and Knowledge Exchange department to support the mapping, planning and delivery of research impact activities during REF2029 preparations.

The role involves collaborating with colleagues, external stakeholders and academics to enhance impact generation and to draft REF2029 case studies. Working with cross-functional teams, you will deliver training, evaluation and bespoke

Responsibilities

• Map, plan and deliver research impact activities for REF2029 preparations.
• Engage with academics and external stakeholders to deliver training and evaluations.
• Draft case studies for REF2029 submission.

Job description

Job title:Research Impact Officer

Department:Research and Knowledge Exchange

Contract Type:Permanent, full-time

Grade:7

Location:Bloomsbury, London

Hours:35

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leadingrole in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Role

As Research Impact Officer, you will join an established and collaborative team providing high-quality professional support and guidance in the mapping, planning, support and delivery of research impact activity in a critical period in REF2029 preparations. Working with colleagues within the directorate and across SOAS, you will play a key role in building upon and improving our current offer, creating new opportunities, and developing innovative approaches to impact generation based on our distinctive research, knowledge and expertise.

You will proactively engage with SOAS academics and external stakeholders to enable this, delivering training, evaluation and bespoke communications and other activities. You will play an important role in ensuring the development and delivery of world-leading research impact from SOAS, supporting academics to identify and capitalise on opportunities for impact, evaluate interventions and resultant change, and draft case studies to be submitted to REF2029.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

Informal queries about the role can be made to Karen Kay: [e-mail]

About the Department

SOAS is a global university in the heart of London’s vibrant university quarter, with a more diverse staff and student base than virtually any other in the UK. Our scholarship spans the arts, humanities and social sciences. Our expertise is deeply and uniquely rooted in the political, social, economic, historical and cultural dynamics of Africa, Asia and the Middle East and their diasporas, which collectively account for over three-quarters of the world’s population.

The Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate manages the whole lifecycle of research and knowledge exchange activities at SOAS, from supporting researchers applying for funding to generating research impact and commercialising new knowledge. It is an exciting time to join the SOAS Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate as we continue to expand and enhance our research, impact and knowledge exchange profile. You will play a key role in delivering the SOAS Vision and Strategy and contributing to the achievement of ambitious targets, including in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer:

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement:Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements:We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme:To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives:Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave:We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme:Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership:Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

How to Apply:

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 16th September 2026

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

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Further information

Please note that the application system does not currently have a save-and-return feature. To avoid losing any information, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in one sitting. Make sure you have all necessary details ready before you begin.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

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