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- Tasks: Support research impact planning and track societal benefits of innovative projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic university team focused on impactful research and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by maximising the impact of groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: Degree in Life Sciences or related STEM field; PhD preferred.
- Other info: Diverse workplace encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 38249 - 45413 £ per year.
Impact and Engagement Officer, Research & Innovation (RAI142A)
Job Description
The role of Impact & Engagement Officer is a dynamic and highly rewarding one. You will be working closely with academic and professional services colleagues across schools including the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition to ensure that impacts are investigated, tracked and clearly evidenced throughout the development lifecycle, ensuring the societal and economic impact of our research is maximised, in accordance with sector best practice. You will also contribute towards research impact planning and help us to prepare for the next UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact submission.
In this role, you will work with school impact leads and individual researchers to plan, monitor, and evaluate research impact. You will also identify opportunities for academic staff to apply their research across public, policy, and commercial sectors, and promote knowledge exchange and other engagement activities to realise the social and economic impact of research.
The Impact & Knowledge Exchange team offers a dynamic and supportive environment, where collaboration and relationship building are key to delivering research impact. We are seeking a passionate individual with a strong track record of experience working in a similar role or one with transferable experience to join us. To be eligible for this role, we require someone with a good understanding of the diversity of knowledge exchange activities that can lead to impact, as well as funder and research assessment requirements for impact. Excellent communication, team-working and interpersonal skills are essential for all aspects of this highly rewarding and exciting role.
You will have a good first degree in Life Sciences or a related STEM discipline with a PhD being desirable. Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £38,249 – £45,413 per annum pro rata with placement according to qualifications and experience.
Please include a cover letter as part of your application.
Responsible for:
- Supporting future research assessment returns including providing guidance on rules, advising on eligibility, drafting or editing narratives and collecting, curating and securely storing evidence.
- Working with the University Research Impact Manager and School Impact Leads to support impact preparations, ensuring eligibility and REF submission guidelines are comprehended and adhered to as well as helping to assess potential of impact case studies and any risks to development.
- Organising and participating in a programme of training and events on research impact in preparation for REF.
- Supporting academics by closely collating information about REF Impact Case Studies to ensure that the University makes a strong impact submission to the next REF.
- Supporting academic colleagues to engage with the impact agenda from project development to completion.
- Working with professional services colleagues to maintain information management systems and structures.
Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Ruth Banks, Research Impact Manager, e-mail: ruthbanks@abdn.ac.uk .
This post does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post that require sponsorship to work in the UK.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 07 November 2025
The Directorate of Research and Innovation embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.
Please Note
If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk ) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.
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Impact and Engagement Officer, Research & Innovation employer: Abdn
Contact Detail:
Abdn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Impact and Engagement Officer, Research & Innovation
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re excited about the role of Impact and Engagement Officer and how your background aligns with their mission. Passion is contagious!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview. Understand the organisation’s research impact goals and think about how you can contribute. Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask them too; it shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Impact and Engagement Officer, Research & Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Impact and Engagement Officer. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the job description. We want to see your passion for research impact and engagement!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in communication, teamwork, and knowledge exchange can contribute to our goals. We love seeing real examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abdn
✨Know Your Impact
Make sure you understand the societal and economic impacts of research. Be ready to discuss how you've previously tracked and evidenced impact in your work. This shows that you’re not just familiar with the concept but have practical experience in maximising research outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Impact and Engagement Officer, you'll need excellent communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas to diverse audiences. This could be through presentations, reports, or even informal discussions—make it relatable!
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of instances where you've worked closely with academic or professional colleagues to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to build relationships and foster teamwork, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for the REF Discussion
Familiarise yourself with the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would support academics in preparing for REF submissions, including any strategies you might employ to ensure compliance and success.