REF Impact Officer

Are you passionate about research impact and looking for a committed role at one of the world’s leading universities? The Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford is seeking an experienced REF Impact Officer to support its REF2029 submission. This newly created position offers a stimulating opportunity to engage with world-leading research teams across diverse areas, from vaccine development and cutting-edge cancer therapies to the latest advances in neuroscience.

The  Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. As REF Impact Officer, you will play a crucial role in preparing, coordinating, and delivering a portfolio of high-quality impact case studies and narrative statements for the Main Panel A REF submission. Working closely with the Research Evaluation Manager and colleagues across departments, you will provide expert advice and guidance on REF impact policy, ensuring that our research impact is effectively captured and articulated.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as an expert on REF 2029 Engagement and Impact guidance, be an authoritative source of information and highly trusted source of advice.
• Collaborate with departments to develop the Engagement and Impact element of the REF submission for Main Panel A.
• Lead the drafting of impact case studies and statements for the Main Panel A submission, working closely with research teams and departments and help sourcing corroborating evidence when needed.
• Manage the impact case study submission for Main Panel A by establishing and implementing processes for identifying and developing impact case studies.
• Represent the division in sector-wide consultations and discussions on research impact.

Applicants should be educated to degree level and have prior experience working in the UK HEI landscape in an impact capacity. They must be skilled at crafting compelling narratives tailored to the research with a REF audience in mind.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences. Applicants should also have excellent organisational skills, demonstrating the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.

The post is a fixed-term, full-time position, but we welcome discussions regarding flexible working arrangements. The post holder will be required to be in office at least one day a week with the team.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the first week of June.

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