Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager

LSTM; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Liverpool seeks a Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager to oversee the Research Excellence Framework (REF) submissions and develop impactful research policies. Candidates should have significant higher education experience and a track record in research management. This hybrid role offers benefits including 30 days of leave and competitive pension schemes, supporting a collaborative research culture while enhancing the institution’s impact and innovation capacity.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous occupational pension schemes

Agile working options

Discounted sports center membership

Employee assistance program

High street discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of research within a higher education context, including REF.
• Significant involvement in managing previous institutional REF submissions.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant funding bodies, their practice, and strategic priorities.
• Excellent understanding of national policy priorities in relation to research.
• Experience in a senior research management role within higher education.
• Knowledge and understanding of generating impact through research.
• Ability to assess research performance at all levels of institutional organisation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
• Develop policies and procedures supporting impact generation from research.
• Engage with senior leadership to shape LSTM’s research strategy.
• Represent LSTM at national and international research forums.
• Contribute to Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data returns.

Skills

Knowledge of research within higher education

Experience managing institutional REF submissions

Understanding of strategic priorities from funding bodies

Assessment of research performance and metrics

Experience in senior research management

Knowledge of research impact strategies

Funder engagement and horizon scanning experience

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Job description

Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager

Contract : Full time, permanent position

Location : Liverpool, hybrid (minimum of 3 days on site per week)

Salary : £47,389 - £59,967

In preparation for LSTM’s REF2029 submission, we are looking to appoint a Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager to join our Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange within our professional services function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a broad range activities including all aspects of REF (Research Excellence Framework) including providing advice, leadership, coordination, compliance, quality and submission. This post will also hold responsibility for, developing policies and processes that support the generation of impact arising from our research.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Head of Research Strategy & Development in helping to shape a brand-new department. The post will also support the research committee Chair and leadership of the Secretariat, with the ultimate shared goal of creating an optimal research innovation ecosystem to deliver LSTM’s mission, whilst building on LSTM’s world‑class reputation.

Key responsibilities

• Research Excellence Framework (REF)
• Adopt the role of LSTM’s trusted REF (Research Excellence Framework) advisor, providing professional management of REF submissions and all subsequent exercises, including supporting the leadership team with the development and implementation of REF strategies.
• Analyse, interpret and adopt external guidance and policy, highlighting potential risk and exposure of the organisation and developing appropriate mitigations.
• Strategy Development
• Working with the Head of the Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange to provide leadership, guidance, and direction to the research strategy, fostering a collaborative and innovative approach. Lead, advise and support as domain expert user within LSTM’s Research Information System. Manage the relevant delivery priorities of the broader Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange team to sector‑leading standards, ensuring a high quality, focussed and fully compliant service is provided. Develop policies and procedures to support the generation of impact arising from our research. Establish and maintain management information related to our research, and use this information to identify opportunities for the generation of impact case studies
• External Engagement :
• Support the Head of Research Strategy & Development and senior academics to represent LSTM at relevant national and international forums related to research and knowledge exchange excellence, sharing best practices, and establishing collaborative networks.
• Contribute and quality assure information / data returns for relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), including developing local processes to gather appropriate information.

Required qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of research within a higher education context, including REF
• Significant involvement in managing previous institutional REF submissions
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant funding bodies, their practice and strategic priorities
• An excellent understanding of broader national policy priorities in relation to research and knowledge exchange
• Experience in a senior research management or planning role in the higher education sector
• Knowledge and understanding of strategies aimed at generating impact through research
• The ability to assess research performance at all levels of institutional organisation, ensuring responsible use of metrics
• Experience of the research cycle, in particular horizon scanning and funder engagement
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Agile working
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Employee assistance programme to support with employee well‑being
• High street discounts and cashback offers
• Government‑backed cycle to work scheme
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application process

To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.