Research Quality Manager

We are looking for maternity cover to manage the University's mock exercise to produce the highest quality outcome for the University from submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF, the periodic national research assessment exercise). You will be responsible for management of impact in relation to REF. You will support the REF Steering Group and Unit of Assessment coordinators and manage ongoing evidence-led process and developmental tools to support both the REF and the business planning of our Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes, including embedding lessons learned to improve research quality.

You will have substantial relevant experience of the higher education environment, especially as it relates to research and impact. That will include significant experience of professional research management and administration and/or complex project management and delivery, ideally with prior direct experience of running REF processes.

The ability to curate and manage data and also to work with academics to evaluate and improve impact cases are key criteria. You will have ability to lead processes but also be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get stuck-in with administration, data analysis and report preparation.

You will have good communication skills across all media. The ability to work to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy is crucial. Good interpersonal skills are required.

The Academic Services Directorate includes Research & Impact, Knowledge Exchange, Academic Registry, Quality Assurance and Enhancement, the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre, Brand, Communications and Public Affairs and Development, Alumni Relations & Engagement (DARE). Collectively the Directorate supports academics in their research and KE activities and supports some of the University's governance and decision-making committees, maintains academic regulations, develops and implements academic policies, oversees the quality and standards of academic provision and leads the development of education practices across the University.

The Directorate is responsible for stimulating cutting edge research, impact and knowledge exchange and supporting a vibrant community of graduate research students, to increase the volume, impact and visibility of our research and business activities. We actively liaise with Faculties and researchers to support and develop research activities across all disciplines and provide related training and development opportunities. We foster interdisciplinary working to promote, advance and share knowledge with the overall aim of securing new revenue sources and contributing to regional prosperity. Our goal is to foster and sustain a vibrant research culture in which our researchers and research students can flourish.

As a directorate, we identify opportunities for innovation, see change as an opportunity, value constructive feedback and share good practice across the University.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 6 months with a starting salary of £50,160 per annum.

This post is available as a result of maternity leave and it is expected that you will hold it for the full period. However, should the substantive post-holder on maternity leave exercise her right to return to work earlier, then this appointment will be terminated, subject to a notice period of one month.The maternity cover is for 6 months.

The interviews are expected to be held on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Juliet Parry, Head of Research Systems, Governance & Funding.