Head of REF and Research Support

About The Job

Interview Date: 11 December 2024

This post will be principally focussed on leading on future REF submissions for the University of Northampton and managing the Research Support Team to develop and deliver support that enables our Researchers to maximise their potential.  The postholder will be required to ensure that support is in place for all aspects of research support, including programmes of training and development, management of the Universities REF (Research Excellence Framework) submission and funding support. This includes line management of the Research Support team, management of the University’s research management system and institutional repositories, research data management, scholarly communications, copyright, funding, metrics/alternative metrics, impact and open research.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our staff and students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About You

All applicants will need to have experience and excellent working knowledge of current REF requirements and supporting research in a Higher Education setting and be fully up to date in their knowledge of recent trends, policies and developments in research support and research repository systems. They should also be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of research impact and knowledge of Open Research. They should have demonstrable experience of working with Information Technology (particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and experience of delivering teaching and/or training activities (including online and blended learning). The post will require the ability to research, analyse, summarise and clearly present complex numerical data and information for a range of audiences.

The post will require experience of team leadership alongside excellent project management skills, a willingness to engage with relevant professional networks and evidence of ability and experience in budget management.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Good Honours degree or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable:

• Relevant vocational/professional qualification and/or membership of a relevant professional body
• MRes, PhD or equivalent

Research and Knowledge Exchange

The successful applicant will join the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange which comprises of the Research Support team, the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, the Graduate School and two research institutes. We have recently invested in both the Research Support team and the Knowledge Exchange team in line with the University’s Strategy to grow both of these areas. These teams comprise of a range of skills and talent that work collectively across the Directorate.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right To Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON