Head of Research Excellence & Impact

The University of Bath's research is helping to change the world for the better. Our strong reputation for research is evidenced through the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), where 92% of our research was classified as world-leading or internationally excellent.

We have set ambitious targets for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF 2029) and we are seeking a motivated and skilled Head of Research Excellence and Impact to lead our central REF preparations, and the successful delivery of high-quality, compliant REF submissions.

About the role

This senior role offers the opportunity for an experienced manager with previous experience of REF to:

• Be the key institutional expert and point of contact for REF, working with a high degree of autonomy to enhance our REF submissions.
• Collaborate with academic and professional services colleagues across the University, including the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and other senior stakeholders.
• Lead a team of dedicated research impact and research culture specialists in developing and embedding best practice across the University.

We are looking for someone with:

• Extensive experience of managing or supporting submissions to REF exercise from a professional services perspective, and expert knowledge of the REF 2029 criteria.
• A collaborative, team-focused approach to leading projects from conception to delivery to strict deadlines.
• A good understanding of research processes, outputs, impact and culture and related data and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to form long-term strategic relationships and influence senior decision makers.

Further information

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 09 February 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jane Hallett, Deputy Director of Research and Impact Services (RIS) at jhh61@bath.ac.uk, or Kirsty Grainger, Director of RIS at kg909@bath.ac.uk.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

• Free counselling services through Health Assured
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Staff discount at Team Bath gym
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
• Staff discount on language courses
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes
• Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
• Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
• Local discounts and more
• A family-friendly workplace 
• An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• Relocation allowance
• Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

Email details to a friend

Further details:

• Job Description & Person Specification