Research Excellence Framework (REF) Main Panel Coordinator in London

UCL is one of the world’s leading universities, with a proud tradition of disruptive thinking and research that addresses major global challenges. Research, Innovation and Global Engagement provides strategic leadership and professional support for UCL’s research, innovation and global activities. The Evaluation and Reporting team supports UCL’s research strategy by providing analysis, reporting and insight into research performance. The team also leads UCL’s submission to national research assessment exercises, including the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

As UCL prepares for REF 2029, we are expanding our specialist team and recruiting three Research Excellence Framework Coordinators. These posts will play an important role in coordinating a high-quality institutional submission and supporting UCL’s continued reputation for world-leading research. All three positions are fixed-term contracts until the end of February 2029.

As a Research Excellence Framework Coordinator, you will lead the coordination and project management of a portfolio of submissions to REF 2029. Each coordinator will take responsibility for a group of Units of Assessment aligned with one of the four REF Main Panels, while also working collaboratively with the other coordinators on cross-panel activity and institutional data delivery.

You will develop strong relationships with academic departments, faculties and Professional Services teams, providing expert advice and guidance on REF requirements. You will build a detailed understanding of the REF 2029 rules and become a trusted source of support for colleagues across UCL.

Working closely with Unit Leads, Deans and senior academic and professional colleagues, you will develop and implement local strategies, monitor progress against demanding deadlines and support the collection, analysis and submission of complex research information. Your responsibilities will also include managing communications, producing guidance and training, supporting committees and governance groups, preparing reports and statistical analysis, and working with large datasets and research information systems. You may also contribute to strategic modelling and the development of approaches for collecting information relating to the Strategy, People and Research Environment element of REF 2029.

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a major institutional programme with a direct impact on UCL’s research reputation, future planning and Quality-Related research funding.

You will be an experienced and highly organised professional with a strong track record of coordinating complex projects or strategic initiatives within a large research organisation or similarly complex environment. You will be confident working independently, managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality work to fixed and challenging deadlines. You will have experience engaging with colleagues at all levels and be able to build trusted relationships with senior academic and professional stakeholders.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. You will be able to interpret complex requirements, produce clear policies, reports and guidance, and communicate technical information in an accessible way to different audiences. Experience of committee servicing, policy or strategy development, and proofreading detailed written material will also be important.

You will be numerate and confident working with large datasets, web-based databases and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word. You will combine attention to detail with the ability to understand the wider strategic importance of the REF to UCL. A first degree, or equivalent professional experience, is required. An understanding of the Research Excellence Framework and its methodologies would be advantageous, although we are also interested in candidates who can demonstrate the ability to quickly develop expertise in a complex policy and regulatory environment.

We offer 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days), option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave, defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE), cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan, relocation support for eligible posts, on-site nursery and gym, enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay, staff support service (employee assistance programme), and discounted medical insurance.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy.