Impact Manager

This is an exceptional and exciting opportunity to play a key strategic role in the delivery of Rothamsted’s mission. Working closely with our scientists, the Impact Manager will be responsible for project managing the delivery of outcomes and impact for a portfolio of Rothamsted science projects, from their initial design through to the conclusion of the research and successful delivery of a designated impact pathway. 

This will be a highly rewarding and interesting role working with science research teams, expert support colleagues as well as with external stakeholders and partners such as companies, governments and farmers to deliver real-world impact across a broad portfolio of projects.  Typical activities may include for example:

• engaging with commercial collaborators to support the translation and adoption of discoveries;
• designing and implementing effective marketing plans for the adoption of farming best practices;
• facilitating interaction with policy makers to help scientists define effective agricultural policy;
• identifying funding pathways to support translation including competitive grants;
• supporting the spin-out of technology through the formation of licences and new ventures;
• preparing internal papers to report on, recommend and approve particular impact pathway steps.

The Impact Manager will act as the point person for co-ordinating project-based impact activities and as such will be able to call upon the technical expertise and network connectivity of colleagues within our Knowledge Exchange, Grant Funding, Intellectual Property, Market Research, Commercial, Public Relations and Legal teams to maximise impact. Close cooperation with the institute knowledge exchange team is particularly anticipated.  The role will offer an excellent opportunity for Impact Managers to build their skills, understanding and networks in these areas through case work.

The role holder will have a background in the biological or data sciences and a sound understanding of the wider issues relating to UK agriculture and global food security.  A proactive, enthusiastic approach, excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, strong planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, a desire to work autonomously, and an ability to engage with colleagues with confidence and empathy are important characteristics for the role. 

The role will be predominantly ‘hands-on’ through a broad portfolio of active case work at various stages of development. The role may involve more routine time-sensitive activities (such as processing NDAs) to effectively support the researchers in the development of their impact pathways.

The role holder is expected to carry out the duties listed below and any other duties reasonably required by the line manager or Institute, commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post. The role will be based at our Rothamsted site in Hertfordshire with the potential to partly or fully locate at our North Wyke site in Devon.