Head of REF and Research Support

About The Job

Interview Date: 10 October 2025

This strategic post is central to strengthening research support and excellence across the University of Northampton. As Head of REF and Research Support, you will lead preparations for future REF (Research Excellence Framework) submissions and manage a dedicated team providing end-to-end research support services.

You’ll oversee the delivery of tailored support to researchers at all career stages – from training and development programmes to funding advice and compliance with open research and data policies. Your remit will include managing the University’s research management system, institutional repositories, and ensuring robust practices across research data management, impact, metrics/altmetrics, scholarly communications, and copyright.

Working in partnership with academic and professional service colleagues, you’ll play a key part in enhancing our research culture and capacity, ensuring our researchers are supported to reach their full potential.

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

We’re looking for someone with deep expertise in the UK research landscape – particularly REF – and a passion for enabling research excellence.

You’ll have substantial experience supporting research in a Higher Education setting, with up-to-date knowledge of REF requirements, Open Research, research impact, and emerging trends in research support and repository systems. You’ll be comfortable navigating complex guidance, policies, and frameworks – and translating these into effective support and training for colleagues.

You will bring a proven track record in managing and motivating teams, alongside excellent project management and budget management skills. Experience of delivering training(including online and blended formats), and a confident command of Microsoft Office tools – especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint – is essential.

You’ll be someone who can analyse and present complex data clearly to a range of audiences, and who enjoys working collaboratively across professional networks and institutional boundaries.

You’ll hold a good Honours degree (or equivalent) and will have demonstrated a commitment to your professional development throughout your career.

A relevant professional or vocational qualification – and/or membership of a relevant body – would be an advantage, as would a postgraduate research degree such as an MRes or PhD.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

The successful candidate will join the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange, which brings together the Research Support team, Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, the Graduate School, and two research institutes.

As part of our strategic commitment to growing research and knowledge exchange activity, we have recently invested in strengthening both the Research Support and Knowledge Exchange teams. These teams draw on a diverse range of expertise and work collaboratively across the Directorate to support the University’s research ambitions.

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