Director of Research Impact and Culture

POSITION OVERVIEW

Location: Remote working and London-based (as per business need)

Benefits: Benefits package including 25 days holiday allowance pro rata (excl. Bank holidays), group life assurance, group income protection, pension schemes and private healthcare

Reports to: Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange

Start: ASAP

The role

Northeastern University London (NU London) is rapidly expanding its research division and is preparing for its first submission to the REF in 2028 for REF2029. As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking an experienced and dynamic expert in research impact to lead and embed impact across our research portfolio. This role will extend our existing commitment to local, national and global impact, with local, national and global partners.

The postholder will take a lead role in embedding impact across the institution, driving our impact case study submission to REF 2029, and working with NU London colleagues to create a modern, dynamic, equitable and inclusive research environment. As an active researcher, the postholder will draw on their own experience and networks to strengthen the research and impact profile of NU London, and support the development of research colleagues at all career stages. In line with NU London’s policies, the successful candidate will also undertake teaching activities within NU’s taught programmes.

This academic position requires an experienced and knowledgeable self-starter, who is flexible, creative, and thrives with autonomy. The successful candidate will work closely with the Associate Dean for Research and other key stakeholders to shape the future of NU London’s research culture and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and submission of impact case studies (ICS) for REF2029.
• Work closely with the Associate Dean for Research and other key stakeholders on the fuller REF2029 submission
• Develop and implement a comprehensive impact strategy, including but not restricted to REF
• Strategically embed an impact culture within NU London’s research activities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, academics and professional services to foster a positive, inclusive, and equitable research environment.
• Support NU London staff to develop impact literacy through training and other development opportunities.
• Undertake academic research and contribute to teaching within one of NU London’s subject areas.
• Engage in external activities to elevate NU London’s profile, generate income, establish collaborations, and participate in national discussions on REF and impact.
• Support faculty in building partnerships with community and global stakeholders.

About Northeastern London

NU London is the European campus of Northeastern University and the UK’s newest University. Northeastern University is a large, top-tier, research intensive (annual grant income $200m+), Boston-based institution, with campuses across North America and London. NU London’s campus is situated in Devon House, St Katharine’s Dock, on the banks of the River Thames, next to Tower Bridge, and comprises seven faculties in the disciplines of humanities, social science and digital sciences. Founded in 2012 as ‘New College of the Humanities’, NU London has established itself as a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London. After becoming part of Northeastern University’s global network in early 2019, the University has undergone a period of rapid growth, with taught degree awarding powers granted in February 2020. The University currently has in the region of 50 research faculty, a growing postdoctoral research community and nearly 40 Phd students, and has ambitions to apply for Research Degree Awarding Powers and submit to the next REF.

NU London’s interdisciplinary research clusters include Network Science, AI, Ethics and Misinformation, Cities, Globalisation, Digital Governance, Higher Education and Digital Humanities.

Qualifications

• PhD (essential)
• Professional registration (or equivalent) in one of NU London’s taught subject areas - such as Computer Science or Psychology

Key Criteria

• Expertise in research impact (essential)
• Experience and deep understanding of REF (essential).
• Proven track record in impact case study development, narration, evidence gathering, reviewing and submission (essential)
• Demonstrable national/international profile in impact (essential)
• Experience of operating a senior level to develop, inform and/or implement university research policies and strategies (essential)
• Evidence of external income generation, particularly through KE and/or consultancy activities (essential)
• Evidence of productive collaborations with academic and non-academic organisations (essential).
• Proven ability to develop an academic or and/or research initiative from the ground-up, using ingenuity, collaborative working and self-sufficiency (essential)
• Proven ability to form productive working relationships within the research community, including researchers, senior management and external organisations (essential)
• Active involvement in ongoing scholarly and research activities (essential)
• Excellent understanding of and experience in HE research, including research management, and understanding associated agendas such as open research and responsible evaluation (desirable)
• Experience of researcher development through developing training programmes and running events (desirable)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral (essential)
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills (essential)
• Excellent active listening skills (essential)
• Experience of undergraduate, postgraduate or other teaching in HE (desirable)
• Professional expertise in one of Northeastern’s areas of teaching (essential)

Application Process

Applications should be made via the 'Apply' button above by 20:00 on 11th September 2024. Please reference your application ‘DRIC0924’.

Please ensure that your application includes a CV and a covering letter. Applicants should address the selection criteria and indicate how their background and expertise align with the job role. You may use bullet points if you wish.

Candidates are welcome to make informal enquiries. Please email Dr Carolyn Barker: Carolyn.Barker@nulondon.ac.uk

Names and contact information of references should be provided through the cover letter. References will only be sought for finalists.

Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.