Research Excellence Coordinator (790018)

The Research Excellence Co-ordinator will join our Research & Knowledge Exchange Directorate and will support Strathclyde’s research ambitions by providing co-ordination and administrative support to our Research Policy and REF 2029 teams.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and organiser, adapting their communication style as appropriate with the ability to gather, collate, and analyse information to share onwards in a clear and concise manner. Applicants for this role should have some working knowledge of and a strong interest in the Research Excellence Framework, having kept up to date with recent developments in research assessment in Higher Education.

The Research Excellence Co-ordinator is a key co-ordinating role within the Research Policy team (which is responsible for delivering the University of Strathclyde’s REF 2029 submission). The Research Excellence Co-ordinator is the first point of contact for all REF related enquiries; answering all general REF related questions and forwarding on to relevant staff as appropriate. The Co-ordinator will provide co-ordination for committees and meetings, manage internal and external communications relating to REF updates, collate information for each REF component, and provide timely internal updates and reports for committees.

As articulated in our People Strategy, Strathclyde strives to create an exceptional, values-led work environment where colleagues relate to the University’s Strategic Plan and have the skills, motivation, and reward for delivering it. To achieve this, the research assessment processes must align with the University’s values and recognise and reward the diverse range of contributions to the research endeavour. The Research Policy Team are responsible for the delivery of Strathclyde’s CoARA Action Plan which seeks to reform research assessment processes across the institution.

Main Activities

1.To act as the first point of contact for inquiries to Research Policy and regarding REF 2029, addressing queries independently, using initiative to resolve issues, consulting with relevant team members or escalating as appropriate, and ensuring that all inquiries are handled promptly.

2.Administratively support the University’s preparations for REF2029 submission and any other/future research assessments including dedicated support to the wider REF team.

3.To work effectively as part of a wider team, providing support to other colleagues as appropriate, including building and sustaining strong and positive working relationships with academics and professional services staff.

4.To service relevant committees and meetings, including the production of agendas, reports, minutes, and follow-up actions as required.

5.Distribution of relevant documents and communications to relevant staff/departments.

6.Manage and keep up-to-date Research Policy, Information, and REF2029 web pages and associated content, including the creation of appropriate documents/visual tools.

7.Organisation of events and workshops (where required) including logistical arrangements, liaison with speakers, participant registrations, and collating/analysing feedback.

8.Provide regular updates/progress reports on all components of the REF including highlighting successes and raising areas of concern for use in reports to committees and senior leadership.

9.Ensure that the principles of responsible research assessment are embedded across areas of research assessment, supporting the implementation of Strathclyde’s CoARA action plan where relevant.

10.Undertake other duties related to the role, including supporting the work of the RP team and colleagues within and beyond RKES (Research Knowledge Exchange Services), as required.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Devon McHugh, Research Policy Manager at devon.mchugh@strath.ac.uk

Click here for full details

Advert information