Research Evaluation Coordinator

About Us

The Research Strategy & Policy Unit (RSPU) in Research Services provides support for institutional research strategy and policy. This includes research strategy development and coordination, research evaluation and insight, research information, support for the University’s main research-related committees, management of strategic internal funding streams, and the development and coordination of institution-wide research policies. The Unit is led by the Director of RSPU, and is divided into four sub-teams covering: research evaluation; research information; research planning; and research practice. Members of the Unit work directly with and support the agenda of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (PVC (Research)), as well as other research leaders in the academic divisions and their senior teams.

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

About the Role

To ensure the effective operation of RSPU, by supporting senior staff, and coordinating cross cutting initiatives and operations in RSPU; to support institutional preparations for the next national research assessment exercise, by coordinating communications for support staff in REF-related roles, managing specific REF processes, and supporting REF-related committees.

Essential selection criteria

• Demonstrable ability to assimilate complex requirements and guidance
• Excellent organisational skills, experience in diary management and organising meetings and events, and following up on agreed actions.
• Strong administrative skills, able to design and implement effective processes and procedures; experience of implementing complex cross-system processes, particularly for gathering and maintaining data.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of people within and external to the University.
• Able to build effective working relationships with, and gain the trust and confidence of, a wide range of colleagues at varying levels of seniority.
• Capacity to manage your own time, work to deadlines and to work independently and as part of a team, with a pro-active approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work consistently with care, precision, and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in relation to complex and detailed guidance requiring specialist knowledge.
• Proven ability to work with tact and discretion, respecting confidentiality and data protection.
• Very good skills in office IT systems, including Email, MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Teams; with the ability to learn and use new software and systems.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of professional services support for REF 2021 and/or other national research assessment exercises at a HEI.