At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape university policies and drive sector-wide transformation through collaboration and funding management.
- Company: Join Research England, a leader in supporting world-class research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible hours, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a motivated team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education and research in the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of the UK research landscape and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 46743 £ per year.
At Research England, we invest in world‑class research and knowledge exchange to strengthen England’s universities, drive economic growth, and deliver lasting benefits for society. We support discovery, collaboration and innovation, helping to address global challenges and build opportunities for future generations. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact through public service, we’d love to hear from you.
Purpose
This key role will develop a strong understanding of how policies are built concerning universities and advance sector‑wide transformation. You will enable roadmap‑based activities, manage funding for new opportunities, and bring together stakeholders. You will engage fully in detailed and sensitive discussions across senior leaders, problem‑solve, understand and drive forward change, and contribute to policy development and funding delivery in a rapidly evolving landscape. You will be part of a small, highly motivated team, working closely with the Associate Director and as one of two senior programme managers.
Main outputs and activities
- Develop and maintain detailed knowledge of joint efforts across the university sector, act as an authoritative source of advice and distil key points of complex work programmes to different audiences.
- Contribute and lead aspects of policy development in a constantly evolving and complex landscape, including creating roadmap‑based forward planning.
- Provide funding opportunities that align with policy development, including developing and leading funded calls.
- Bring together a wide range of views from collaborators to advise programme development, including briefings to senior stakeholders.
- Represent the programme and distil complex activities for various groups (briefings, governance papers, external discussions).
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven knowledge and understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape, and the role universities play within it. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Ability to quickly develop commanding knowledge on a new subject area. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Evidence of operating in rapidly changing and uncertain landscapes. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Experience of leading a range of collaborators and developing a coherent activity by bringing together multiple views. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Strong communicator with experience of communicating to diverse groups. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Strong organisational and project management skills. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
- Evidence of contributing fully to a team to deliver complex outcomes. (Assessed at shortlisting & interview)
Benefits
UKRI offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance, including 30 days leave, 10.5 public holidays, flexible working hours, an exceptional salary pension scheme, employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities, and an employee assistance programme.
Equal Opportunity
UKRI is an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. We provide reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities and support EDI within the workforce. We seek to create and maintain a respectful, inclusive and accessible environment.
Security Screening
UKRI requires a Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS). Failure to achieve it may result in rescinding an employment offer. The right to conduct security clearance can be exercised at any time during employment.
UK Visa Sponsorship
If you are a non‑UK national requiring sponsorship, you may be asked to pay costs directly to the Home Office for your application before the role commences. Reimbursement may be discussed with the hiring manager after you become an employee.
Senior Research Excellence Framework (REF) Policy and Engagement Advisor in Bristol employer: UKRI
At Research England, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the higher education sector. Our Bristol location offers a vibrant work culture with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, providing generous leave, flexible working hours, and a comprehensive benefits package. We are committed to fostering employee growth through meaningful engagement in policy development and funding delivery, ensuring that our team members can make a significant impact while advancing their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Excellence Framework (REF) Policy and Engagement Advisor in Bristol
✨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 UKRI, 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 UKRI. 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 Excellence Framework (REF) Policy and Engagement Advisor in Bristol
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 UKRI. 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 UKRI. 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 UKRI
✨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 UKRI. 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 UKRI to drive research projects forward.
