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"REF Manager (School of Technology) (Fixed Term)"

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REF Manager (School of Technology) (Fixed Term)

Staff / Administration

26 Feb 2026

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Fixed Term

Required Qualifications

Strong administrative or project management experience
Higher education or complex environment background
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Proactive problem-solving
Manage detailed work to tight deadlines
REF or research evaluation experience advantageous
Team leadership experience

Research Areas

REF 2029
Research Excellence Framework
Units of Assessment (UoAs)
Research outputs
Impact case studies
People, Culture & Environment
UoA12
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REF Manager (School of Technology) (Fixed Term)

REF Manager (School of Technology) (Fixed Term)

Play a pivotal role in shaping one of the UK's strongest research submissions. The School of Technology is seeking an experienced, collaborative and organised professional to lead its preparations for REF 2029 - a strategically significant programme that underpins both the School's research reputation and a major proportion of the University's QR income.

The School of Technology performed exceptionally well in the last REF, with its Units of Assessment ranking among the top in the country and contributing to annual QR income of over £12.6m. As REF Manager, you will have the opportunity to work at the heart of this success, coordinating activity across three Units of Assessment within the School and directly supporting one of them. Your work will directly influence the quality, readiness and impact of the School's submissions.

In this influential role, you will lead the planning and delivery of the School's REF activity, ensuring that guidance from Research England and the University is implemented consistently and effectively. You will manage the REF project plan, oversee policies and processes, track progress and risks, and foster best practice across departments. You will also act as the primary point of liaison with School leadership, UoA Chairs, departmental administrative teams and the central REF Management Team.

You will lead a small team providing administrative support for UoA12 and will build a wider network of REF support colleagues across the School. You will provide clear, accessible guidance on outputs, impact case studies, People, Culture & Environment statements and staff eligibility, helping colleagues navigate complex requirements with confidence and clarity.

You will bring strong administrative or project management experience from a higher education or similarly complex environment, and you will be comfortable working with a range of academic and professional services colleagues. You will be an effective communicator with excellent organisational skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to manage detailed work to tight deadlines. Experience of the REF or other research evaluation processes, along with team leadership experience, will be highly advantageous.

For full details of the role - including responsibilities and the person specification - please see the Further Particulars linked below.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 April 2029 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you would like to discuss the role informally, please contact Shui Lam, Secretary of the School.

Please quote reference NN48742 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Key information

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What does the REF Manager role entail at University of Cambridge?

The REF Manager leads preparations for REF 2029 in the School of Technology, coordinating across three Units of Assessment (UoAs), managing project plans, policies, risks, and providing guidance on outputs, impact case studies, and staff eligibility. You will lead a small team for UoA12 and liaise with leadership and central teams. Explore research jobs for similar roles.

🎓What qualifications are required for this REF Manager position?

Candidates need strong administrative or project management experience from higher education or complex environments, excellent communication and organisational skills, proactive problem-solving, and ability to handle detailed work under tight deadlines. REF experience and team leadership are highly advantageous. Review academic CV tips to strengthen your application.

Is prior REF or research evaluation experience essential?

While not strictly essential, experience of the REF or other research evaluation processes is highly advantageous, given the role's focus on shaping the School's submission for REF 2029. The School excelled in the last REF, ranking top nationally and securing over £12.6m in QR income. See related UK research funding insights.

📝How do I apply for the REF Manager job?

Click the 'Apply' button on the University recruitment system, quote reference NN48742, and register if needed. Full details in Further Particulars. For informal discussion, contact Shui Lam. Check administration jobs for more opportunities.

What is the employment duration and type?

This is a fixed-term position with funds available until 30 April 2029. It is categorized as Academic-related staff/administration in the Office of the School of Technology, Cambridge. The University supports equality, diversity and inclusion and requires eligibility to work in the UK.

🤝What support does the REF Manager provide to the School?

You will manage the REF project plan, track progress and risks, foster best practices, and offer clear guidance on research outputs, impact case studies, People, Culture & Environment statements, and staff eligibility. Act as liaison with UoA Chairs, departments, and central REF Management Team. Learn more via higher ed admin roles.
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