At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to turn research into real-world solutions for societal impact.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a world-leading institution focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 41 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference by tackling pressing societal challenges through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in impact planning and evaluation within large-scale research.
The predicted salary is between 69365 - 79257 £ per year.
About the role
Join Imperial College London and shape the future of large-scale, impact-driven interdisciplinary research. Are you passionate about driving real-world change through research? Do you thrive at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and societal impact? Are you motivated by the pressing societal challenges of our time – whether at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, health and technology, environmental sustainability and/or new frontiers of space, security and telecoms? If so, we invite you to join Imperial College London as our Head of Impact Delivery for the School of Convergence Science.
We are building a team of impact-driven professionals with the skills and agility to turn research into real-world solutions. Our pioneering School of Convergence Science – central to Imperial’s new Strategy is seeking a Head of Impact Delivery to lead a team working with the Co-Directors to take bold visions and turn them into measurable societal impact. The School is designed to accelerate interdisciplinary research, amplify global influence, attract top talent and funding, and, most importantly, deliver tangible benefits in areas of critical importance to society.
A key pillar of Imperial’s new Strategy, the School focuses on the following technology areas which will enhance our interdisciplinary research capacity, global visibility, talent attraction, and funding, driving societal impact to meet critical needs:
- Human and Artificial Intelligence - We envision AI that augments human intelligence and benefits everyone. Understanding how we think and learn helps us build better AI. Our goal is AI that is sustainable, trustworthy, and truly human-centered.
- Health and Technology - We envision health and wellbeing for all, focused on prevention over treatment. Despite progress, challenges like chronic illness and inequality remain. Solving them requires bold, cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Sustainability - We envision a world where people live prosperously and meaningfully, in harmony with the planet. Our mission is to provide evidence and solutions for realistic, sustainable pathways, working closely with partners to drive change.
- Space, Security and Telecoms - We envision the convergence of these areas for the benefit of everyone, in the short and the long term, with a mission to protect, connect, and know our worlds.
This role will be instrumental in creating, building and leading a high-performing impact delivery team that will enable and support the 16 Co-Directors (four across each of the four School themes) to achieve their individual School’s objectives. This role will be specifically assigned to either the Human and Artificial Intelligence theme or the Space, Security and Telecommunications theme.
Overseeing the development and delivery of strategic impact plans for the School of Convergence Science, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and societal goals. Taking the lead on one of the themes. Leading a team of Impact Delivery Managers, each aligned to one of the four themes. Provide strategic guidance, coordination, and mentorship to ensure a consistent and high-performing approach to impact planning and delivery. Working closely with the School’s Operational Team, Co-Directors, Public Affairs, the International Relations Office, senior management, and the four Faculties. Collaborate with the Research Office and Faculty Strategic Research Leads to embed outcome-oriented planning tools and ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of impact across all School.
What we are looking for
You are a good fit for the role if you can demonstrate:
- A strong track record of designing, implementing, and embedding outcome-oriented planning and evaluation frameworks across large-scale research programmes, centres, or consortia. You will have direct experience aligning impact strategies ensuring that research activities are not only measurable but meaningfully contribute to real-world change.
- Subject‑matter expertise in one of the School’s core thematic areas paired with the intellectual agility to support and engage across other interdisciplinary domains. You will be confident working with leading academics to understand and articulate the potential impact of complex research, and to tailor strategies that resonate with diverse stakeholders and funders.
- A deep commitment to enabling research that delivers tangible societal benefit.
What we can offer you
The opportunity to continue your career at a world‑leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity. Benefit from a sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes). Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme. Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel. Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Closing date: 21 June 2026 (midnight BST)
Head of Impact Delivery employer: SONICOM
Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing societal challenges. With a commitment to employee growth, a flexible working policy, and a diverse, inclusive culture, staff benefit from generous leave, competitive salaries, and access to on-site facilities. Join us in shaping the future of science for humanity at our vibrant South Kensington and White City campuses.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Impact Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Imperial College London. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there and show your passion for impact-driven research.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the themes of the role. Brush up on current trends in human and artificial intelligence, health tech, sustainability, and space security. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but genuinely excited about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at Imperial College London to drive real-world change.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Impact Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Impact Delivery. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact Experience:We want to see your track record in driving real-world change through research. Share specific examples of how you've designed and implemented outcome-oriented strategies in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your achievements and how they relate to the themes of our School.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into the societal challenges that the School of Convergence Science is tackling. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to real-world change through research.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Impact Delivery, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. Highlight your ability to mentor and guide others towards achieving strategic goals.
✨Understand the Themes
Familiarise yourself with the four key themes: Human and Artificial Intelligence, Health and Technology, Sustainability, and Space, Security and Telecoms. Be prepared to articulate your expertise in one area while demonstrating your intellectual agility to engage across others.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about collaboration with various stakeholders, including academics and funders. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated complex relationships to achieve impactful outcomes, and be ready to share those stories.
