Research Excellence Framework (REF) Main Panel Coordinator

About us

UCL is one of the world’s leading universities, renowned for disruptive thinking and research addressing major global challenges. Research, Innovation and Global Engagement provides strategic leadership and professional support for UCL’s research, innovation and global activities.

The Evaluation and Reporting team provides analysis and insight into research performance and leads UCL’s submissions to national research assessment exercises.

As UCL prepares for REF 2029, we are recruiting three Research Excellence Framework Coordinators to support a high-quality institutional submission.

All three positions are fixed-term until 28 February 2029.

About the role

Each Research Excellence Framework Coordinator will manage a portfolio of submissions to REF 2029, taking responsibility for Units of Assessment aligned with one of the four REF Main Panels. The coordinators will also work collaboratively on cross-panel activity and institutional data delivery.

The role involves building strong relationships with academic departments, faculties and Professional Services teams, while developing detailed expertise in REF 2029 requirements. Working with Unit Leads, Deans and senior colleagues, you will help develop local strategies, monitor progress against challenging deadlines, and coordinate the collection, analysis and submission of complex research information.

Other responsibilities include producing guidance and training, managing communications, supporting committees and governance groups, preparing reports and statistical analysis, and working with large datasets and research information systems. You may also contribute to strategic modelling and approaches for collecting information relating to the Strategy, People and Research Environment element of REF 2029.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a major institutional programme affecting UCL’s research reputation, future planning and Quality-Related research funding.

About you

You will be a highly organised professional with experience coordinating complex projects or strategic initiatives within a large research organisation or similarly complex environment.

You will be able to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to fixed deadlines. Strong relationship-building skills and confidence working with senior academic and professional stakeholders are essential.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret complex requirements and produce clear reports, policies and guidance. Experience of committee support, policy or strategy development, and proofreading detailed material will be valuable.

You will also be numerate and confident using large datasets, web-based databases, Excel and Word, combining close attention to detail with an understanding of the REF’s wider strategic importance.

A first degree or equivalent professional experience is required. Knowledge of the REF would be advantageous, but applications are also welcomed from those able to quickly develop expertise in a complex policy environment.

What we offer

Benefits include 41 days’ holiday, the option to purchase five additional days, a defined benefit pension, enhanced family leave, season ticket and immigration loans, cycle-to-work scheme, Staff Support Service, and access to an on-site nursery and gym.

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within our workforce.

Find out more about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and UCL’s policies on bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and personal relationships.

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