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- Tasks: Lead impactful research initiatives and develop strategies to enhance research engagement.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a top UK institution known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible working options, and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research impact while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in research impact or related fields required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 58225 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 8 - £47,389 - £58,225 pro rata FTE
Working Pattern: Part-time (0.8FTE/28 hours per week), Open Ended
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE).
About Our Team: The Research Engagement Directorate provides high quality support for the Heriot-Watt research community across 3 divisions: Research and Researcher Development, Legal, Policy, Strategy and Impact. Working closely with the Business and Enterprise Directorate, RED works to deliver the Excelling in Research and Enterprise theme of Strategy 2025 and development of Heriot-Watt’s new Strategy 2035.
Detailed Description: The post will be offered at Grade 8, with a part-time equivalent (0.8FTE) salary in the range of £47,389–£58,225, on an open-ended basis. The role will work to support the University to achieve its strategic objectives in research within the Research Engagement Directorate (RED) team. This role-holder will be a credible source of advice and expertise on research impact. This includes developing the impact component of Heriot-Watt's preparation for future Research Excellence Frameworks, including supporting the development of impact case studies. The role will work closely with the Research and Researcher Development team to design and deliver a programme of support for researchers to maximise the impact of their research.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and evaluate an impact strategy for the University.
- Manage and oversee a programme of events/initiatives to stimulate impact activity linked to the development and implementation of Strategy 2035.
- Provide support and guidance on the impact component of the next Research Excellence Framework.
- Oversee the delivery of UKRI Impact Acceleration award and other impact related funding streams.
- Monitor, evaluate the impact pipeline, helping develop opportunities for impact to be realised or extended.
- Refine practical tools, help and guidance to support Schools and other groups to create their own impact and engagement strategies.
- Provide guidance on how to plan, execute, evaluate and present impact.
- Work closely with the Public Engagement Lead, to ensure the global research community is supported to maximise the engagement with, and impact of, their research.
- Advise, work with and support the Head of Policy, Strategy and Impact on research policy.
- Be an active member of the Research Engagement Directorate.
This is an open-ended post within the Policy, Strategy and Impact team. We are looking for a highly organised and proactive individual with good communication, project planning and analysis skills, and experience of research impact, preferably in universities or relevant industry.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Management: Develop and manage an innovative programme of work supporting the delivery of university’s impact strategy. Management of the Impact Acceleration Project Co-ordinator. Be an inspiring representative of the University and establish effective working relationships across the Research Engagement Directorate, with key partners in other teams and important stakeholders both internal and external to Heriot-Watt University. Advise, work with and support the Head of Policy, Strategy and Impact team in the overall delivery of the team’s activities. Act as a trusted source of expertise and advice on research impact.
- Research Excellence Framework: Coordinate activity to measure, evaluate impact across the university. Organise, plan and coordinate the management of the arrangements for future REF exercises in relation to Impact case studies. Provide support for the development, drafting, and quality assurance of impact case studies and contribute to the impact-related content of the Institutional and Unit of Assessment (UoA) People, and Research Environment Strategy (SPRE) statements. Provide expert advice to Unit of Assessment academic and professional services leads in preparation of REF Impact case studies.
- Policy & Strategy: Participate in local, national, and international impact networks to share and develop best practice. Develop the responses to consultations by external bodies on research and impact policy. Provide support for implementation of Strategy 2035 initiatives that contribute to achieving the ambitions of excelling in research and enterprise strategy objectives, and ensure that these are aligned with Heriot-Watt’s ambitious new Strategy 2035.
- Impact and Responsible Innovation: Develop and implement a research impact strategy (covering all impact types). Enable the development, assurance and delivery of a comprehensive, structured and effective approach towards the planning, capture and communication of research impact. Create a central repository of case studies that can be used to demonstrate research value to the public, stakeholders, funders and collaborators. Establish an approach that leads to the effective exploitation of impact (including REF but all other purposes). Work closely with the Business & Enterprise Team to ensure impact strategy and activities complement the Knowledge Exchange Innovation Fund (KEIF). Promote and coordinate impact activities via the University website, newsletters and social media in partnership with the marketing and communications team.
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
Essential: Educated to degree standard or equivalent experience. Significant experience in a research-related or similar organisation. Development of plans and strategies and managing them through to delivery. Leadership of projects of scale and complexity. Ability to balance competing priorities under pressure. Working as a senior member of a team and an ability to contribute to the department. Directing, managing, supporting and motivating individuals. Experience in a role related to research impact.
Desirable: An understanding of the external factors affecting research in Higher Education, particularly the impact agenda.
Competencies, Skills and Knowledge:
Essential: Ability to secure credibility across a wide range of projects, communities, expertise and interest groups. An ability to learn quickly and manage a diverse, rapidly changing portfolio. Excellent writing and communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills – identifying and building the trust of priority stakeholders (internal and external). Excellent interpersonal, liaison and networking and presentation skills (both orally and in writing); able to understand and communicate research-related information effectively. Ability to work undirected. High regard for confidentiality, security and accuracy.
Desirable: Knowledge of IT and/or financial systems. Ability to read and analyse documents and extract salient information to give clear explanations and guidance notes.
About Heriot-Watt: Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and leading-edge, relevant research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for innovation, business and industry. Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages. Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.
How to Apply: Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system. Cover letter CV Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 9th February 2026. We expect interviews to take place w/c 23rd February 2026.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. Heriot-Watt University operates a Global Connected Hybrid Working Policy that enables hybrid working.
Research Impact Manager employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Impact Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings that might not be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and how they relate to the role of Research Impact Manager. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and passion for research impact.
✨Follow Up After Interviews
After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role and keep you fresh in their minds!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Heriot-Watt.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Impact Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the Research Impact Manager role. Highlight your experience in research impact and how it aligns with Heriot-Watt's strategic objectives. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your relevant experience in managing projects and developing strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead initiatives and engage with stakeholders effectively. We love seeing concrete achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding what research impact means for Heriot-Watt University. Familiarise yourself with their current strategies and how your role as a Research Impact Manager can contribute to achieving their objectives. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in the university's mission.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully developed or implemented impact strategies. Be ready to discuss these during the interview, highlighting your project management skills and how you’ve navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you’ve built relationships in previous roles. Think about how you can leverage these skills to foster collaboration within the Research Engagement Directorate and beyond. Showing that you can connect with others will be key.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the future direction of the university’s impact strategy or how they measure success in this area. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the role and the team dynamics.
