Impact Officer

University of the West of Scotland – School of Health & Life Sciences

Paisley Campus

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: until 31^st March 2029

The University of West of Scotland have an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to join our Dementia Network Plus project on a fixed term basis until 31^st March 2029.

The Working with Dementia (WWD) Network Plus will create a transdisciplinary research network that catalyses a shift in collaborative research, drives positive change and opens new horizons to enhance labour market experiences for those affected by dementia. This role provides specialist support for the development and implementation of the WWD Network plus for research impact and public engagement.

The post holder will be expected to have specialist knowledge in communication, impact and engagement to evidence the influence of the WWD Network plus and will support the research team to work collaboratively to develop creative dissemination strategies and public engagement efforts to ensure research findings reach a wide audience. They will contribute to assessing and enhancing the real-world impact and societal relevance of the WWD Network plus funded research projects and activities.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Educated to degree level
• Experience of writing about research and/or complex topics
• A background of initiating collaborative working with a broad range of stakeholders, identifying and pursuing opportunities to work in partnership and generate impact.
• A working knowledge of designing, delivering, and evaluating impact and public engagement activities.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others.

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).

The School of Health & Life Sciences at UWS offers innovative teaching and research opportunities, firmly focused on the real-world challenges facing the healthcare and life sciences sectors. You will join a supportive and committed team, where you will play a key role in continuing to establish the University as a force for good. Our students benefit from studying in modern learning facilities – among the very best in the country – and the strong links we have with partner organisations across the private, public and third sectors.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme  
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview date: Monday 23^rd June 2025

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.