Impact Development Officer (NIRD Trust)

Full-time, Fixed Term to 31/12/2028

Closing date: 23:59 17 October 2025

Interviews will be held: 5 November 2025

With the world’s population set to rise to nine billion by 2050, we face huge challenges in supporting healthy diets for everyone, through systems that are equitable and environmentally sustainable. At the same time, as the population ages, more people will experience non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, dementia and cancer. The University of Reading’s world-leading research in our Agriculture, Food & Health Theme is addressing these challenges. We apply our expertise to address global issues including climate change, resource degradation, hunger, poverty, diet and health. Our experts work with partners globally and locally to influence both policy and practice through evidence-informed decision-making.

Working primarily with the Agriculture Food & Health Theme, for a subset of projects related to the National Institute for Research into Dairying (NIRD) Trust Fund remit, you will be contributing to the continuous improvement in the development of economic, environmental and societal benefit. You will work on the development of the impact culture and provide support to a pipeline of projects within the theme, working with external partners where necessary to ensure opportunities for impact are maximised and captured. You will also have a major role in the delivery of the Research Excellence Framework 2029 (REF2029) and the University’s Impact Strategy. Specifically, you will assist in mapping impact activity in REF Unit of Assessment 6 (Agriculture, Food, and Veterinary Sciences) and support related REF Impact Case Studies.

You will have:

• Knowledge of impact and the routes to achieving it
• The ability to work with a diverse range of academic and professional services staff, as well as a range of external stakeholders
• Experience of managing projects in a research setting
• The ability to work as part of a team to progress a programme of work
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrable knowledge of sectors of relevance to the Agriculture Food & Health Theme

The role holder will join a newly formed and delightful Impact Team within the Research, Engagement and Innovation Office and will work alongside the Impact Development Managers/Officer from the other Themes to jointly deliver on the University’s impact, and all on our beautiful and green campus.

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details.

Contact Name Julia de Bruyn
Contact Job Title Impact Development Manager (Agriculture, Food and Health Theme)
Contact Email address j.debruyn@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name Lisa Lazareck-Asunta
Alternative Contact Job Title Head of Impact Team
Alternative Contact Email address l.j.lazareck-asunta@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Advert information