At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage policy areas for the Research Excellence Framework, engaging with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Research England, a key player in UK higher education research assessment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK research policy and collaborate with top experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or strategy development and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies (Scottish Funding Council, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Department of the Economy Northern Ireland). Research England is a council within UK Research and Innovation.
REF is a fast-moving exercise managing a wide range of policy areas, expert panel members that span all research disciplines and types of research outputs. This role will support the effective implementation of the Research Excellence Framework by leading and managing the delivery of policy areas key to the exercise, briefings, and related community engagement.
- Supporting the implementation of detailed policy for REF 2029 through the submission and assessment phases
- Providing policy input to FAQs and queries
- Leading on relationships and policy on the use of HESA data in REF 2029
- Leading internal projects and groups
This role requires flexibility to travel to meetings, including in locations that may require travel outside of work hours.
Experience of policy or strategy development and delivery, or of strategic engagement for policy or strategy development.
Able to plan and prioritise a varied workload to ensure that work meets deadlines, and be flexible and adaptable to competing and changing priorities and demands.
Able to think and work creatively to tackle problems and challenges, demonstrating own initiative and judgement within given constraints and asking for and giving help when needed.
Experience of building, maintaining and influencing a strategic network of stakeholders to work collaboratively and find the best possible outcomes.
Ability to travel across the UK, including overnight stays.
UKRI values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, outstanding average salary pension scheme, employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities and employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
Should you be ready to make a meaningful contribution to the future of research and innovation in England, we'd love to hear from you. Join a collaborative, inclusive organisation where your expertise will help shape policy, influence investment, and support world-leading research that benefits people, places and the economy.
Please note: if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you (and any dependants travelling with you) will be required to pay costs directly to the UK Home Office for the application before you start your role with us.
Senior Research and Policy Officer employer: Research England
Research England is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the future of research and innovation in the UK. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team. Join us to engage with leading experts and make a meaningful difference in the higher education sector while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research and Policy Officer
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Research England, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Research England. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research and Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Research England. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Research England. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Research England
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Research England. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Research England to drive research projects forward.
