Head of Research Policy Data, Evidence and Analysis

Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)

Contract Type: Fixed term until December 2030

About Us

The Research Directorate of Research England is responsible for delivering the Council’s research funding and policy activities. The funding team within the Directorate leads on all aspects of research funding to Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in England, including formula-based Strategic Institutional Research Funding (SIRF), competitive funding schemes (principally the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund and Expanding Excellence in England), and special funding arrangements.

Purpose

This is a new role central to the work of the Research Directorate of Research England. Working closely with both the Research England analysis team and colleagues within the Research Directorate, you will lead on the development, analysis and deployment of evidence relating to research in the Higher Education system in England.

You will develop a strong understanding of the nature and structure of research data and evidence. This will include REF data and other sources of insight on research performance, the funding model for SIRF, and wider policy work of the directorate, including data on the research workforce. You will deploy this to support policy and help devise innovative funding and delivery approaches. 

Main outputs and activities

• Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of, and act as an authoritative source of advice on, research policy and interpretation of analysis with the ability to distil key points for a range of audiences.
• Lead on policy analysis on research culture, including analysis relating to people, EDI and research environment.
• Give presentations and lead discussions at external meetings relating to research evidence and policy.
• Contribute to briefing and advice to Government/DSIT and senior Research England and wider UKRI colleagues, taking a leading role in areas of analysis and evidence as they relate to research policy.
• Assess use and present accurately complex quantitative evidence in policy development.
• Internal project management (including managing expert researchers and working closely with statisticians).
• Represent Research England/UKRI at external meetings and presenting to external groups

Shortlisting Criteria

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the UK research and higher education policy, including formula approaches to Research and/or KE funding.
• An excellent communicator, with ability to communicate complex subjects with people at all levels, including technical analysts, both verbally and in writing, in a clear, concise and fluent manner.
• Experience of working effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government, institutions and academic experts, with the ability to represent Research England and UKRI at meetings and events.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including in relation to commissioning external evaluation and evidence gathering work.

Additional information

Developing talent:

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

Benefits:

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

- Flexible Working

- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above

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