At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the university's Research Excellence Framework and manage research data.
- Company: Join Bangor University, a leading institution in higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with flexible working options and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research quality and contribute to innovative projects.
- Qualifications: AS/A level education or equivalent experience in administrative roles.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 40000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a full-time, permanent Assistant REF Officer working in the Research Office at Bangor University. The postholder will contribute to a comprehensive range of administrative and operational functions involved with the university’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) preparation and Annual Research Review.
Candidates should be educated to AS/A level standard (or equivalent) or have previous equivalent experience. Candidates should have an awareness of the current issues in Higher Education (HE), experience of working in administrative roles in HE (or equivalent organisations) and have experience of providing and delivering customer and/or support service. The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible. The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. This role will be located on campus at Bangor.
Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work-life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview. Applications will only be accepted via our online recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. In cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.
Purpose of the Job: As part of the Research Office, the postholder will contribute to a comprehensive range of administrative and operational functions involved with the university’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) preparation and Annual Research Review. This role will be line managed by the REF Manager. The REF is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. It first took place in 2014 and 2021. The next exercise is planned for 2029.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work with the REF Manager in preparations for Bangor's return to the Research Excellence Framework.
- Provide administration and support relating to university-wide REF related activities, liaising with senior research leaders and the wider research community across the institution.
- Support the compilation of key data returns and consultation exercises for REF, ensuring data and information on research outcomes and activities are up to date, generating reports on complex, inter-related research activities for a wide variety of internal and external audiences.
- Maintain and adapt internal monitoring processes for research evaluation to meet the needs of internal monitoring of REF and in response to developments in the REF criteria and guidance.
- Provide clear advice and guidance to a wide range of staff from junior to senior academic and professional services staff regarding the REF criteria and guidelines and internal REF related procedures.
- Provide administration and support for monthly meetings for the REF Group.
- Maintain processes and budget for the external assessment of outputs, impact case studies and narrative components of the REF submission.
- Work with the REF Manager in the administration of the quarterly research report and the Annual Research Review.
- Maintain processes for the collection, validation and cleaning of research output and research data records within PURE.
- Contribute to ensuring the highest levels of open access compliance to support REF eligibility and institutional policy requirements.
- Develop a working knowledge of the research groups and themes in the university.
- Lead the administrative support for the monitoring of Research Centres and Institutes activity in the university.
Assistant REF Officer employer: Bangor University
Bangor University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With a commitment to research excellence and a dynamic working framework that allows for flexible remote options, staff can enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to impactful research initiatives. The university fosters a collaborative environment, providing ample opportunities for growth and engagement within the higher education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant REF Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Bangor University through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its impact on higher education. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the job, but also passionate about the work being done at Bangor.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We need to be ready to articulate our experience in administrative roles and how it relates to the REF preparation process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that we’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate our enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant REF Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Assistant REF Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Research Office, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant experiences!
Show Your Understanding of HE:Demonstrate your awareness of current issues in Higher Education. We’re looking for candidates who understand the landscape and can navigate it effectively, so share any insights or experiences that reflect this knowledge.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Online:Remember, applications are only accepted through our online recruitment website. So, make sure to submit your application there. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bangor University
✨Know Your REF Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and its significance in higher education. Familiarise yourself with Bangor University's previous REF returns and current research themes. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Admin Skills
Since this role involves a lot of administrative tasks, be ready to discuss your previous experience in similar positions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed data, supported projects, or improved processes in an administrative capacity.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to liaise with various staff members, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can explain complex information simply, especially regarding REF criteria and guidelines. Good communication is key!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the university's research strategy, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in this role. It shows you're engaged and keen to contribute.
