Research Intelligence & Systems Officer

Salary: £35,608.00 - £46,049.00  per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 05 January 2026

The Role

We are looking for an exceptional individual to work as part of Research Policy Intelligence and Ethics Team (RPIE). You will provide specialist/professional advice and support to ensure the successful development and implementation of university–wide research systems and processes. The main focus of the role is to work with stakeholders across the University to support the implementation of the University’s new Research Grant Management System.

You will play a key role within the University’s Research & Innovation Service. Based within the Research Policy Intelligence and Ethics (RPIE) Team, you will provide specialist/professional advice and support to ensure the successful development and implementation of university–wide research systems and processes with the main focus of the role being to support the team with the implementation of the University’s new Research Grant Management System.

You will also work with stakeholders across the University to ensure the University has access to effective research Management Information from both internal and external sources.

The position is based within Research & Innovation.  Our work transforms lives, inspires ground-breaking research and creates opportunities that have a profound impact across the University, the city, the region and beyond. Our teams are located in modern office environments at the heart of the University and Newcastle city centre and we are committed to providing opportunities for flexible working, including partial homeworking and flexible hours to suit your circumstances. Newcastle is an inclusive community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

If you would like to discuss the role please contact Pete Wheldon, Head of the RPIE team at: pete.wheldon@ncl.ac.uk

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months

Key Accountabilities

Systems

• Supporting the ongoing development and implementation of university-wide web-based research systems and processes by acting as the interface between system users and developers in order to effectively interpret business requirements.
• Carrying out timely and robust testing on the research systems to identify gaps and shortfalls
• Making recommendations regarding the development and implementation of the systems (and associated processes) to relevant stakeholders.
• Working with colleagues in Newcastle University Information Technology (NUIT) support the administration, maintenance and development of the web-based research systems and associated databases
• Working with colleagues on the NUIT Service Desk provide second line user support for the research systems. Collate support data to make recommendations in the handling of queries and potentially on process/system improvements.
• Act as an expert user on the research systems. 
• Develop and maintain manuals, guides and training materials to ensure that information on university processes and systems are easily accessible, comprehensive and up to date.
• Develop and deliver appropriate training/workshops for the research systems. 
• Engage with key stakeholders in order to ensure functionality remains optimal and ensure the research systems appropriately facilitate compliance with internal and external policies.

Management Information

• Support internal and external reporting (and audit) by devising consistent and robust mechanisms for collecting, collating and analysing complex and multi-faceted data
• Develop and implement effective compliance monitoring in relation to the research systems
• Work with colleagues in Strategic Planning & Change to develop and implement Research Management Information reports and dashboards
• Devise standard reports and analyses to reduce ad-hoc requests
• Use external reporting and analytical tools (e.g. SciVal) to provide effective Management Information.

Statutory Returns

• Work with the Research Excellence Framework (REF) Co-ordinator to support the preparation of the University’s submission as required
• Support the annual Higher Education – Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey by managing the collection of information and submission for the University as required.
• Support other research related returns including: ResearchFish and UKRI Open Access as required.

General

• Represent the University at any relevant external meetings, conferences or other events. 
• Provide assistance and support to colleagues within RPIE to achieve the aims of the team.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to make sense of complex or conflicting data and the different perspectives of multiple stakeholders
• Ability to converse and communicate effectively with researchers, senior management and technical staff.
• Commitment to a high level of customer service and the ability to approach issues in a pragmatic way.
• Administrative skills including excellent standards of accuracy and attention to detail. Well-developed organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data from a range of sources and present findings in a clear and concise manner
• Demonstrable experience of reporting tools (e.g. Power BI)
• Demonstrable experience of spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
• Experience of identifying training needs, developing and delivering training sessions.
• An understanding of reporting methodologies and databases (desirable)
• Experience of web authoring (desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• Strong track record working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across the organisation
• Ability to influence and persuade to gain support
• Promotes inclusivity, diversity and equality at all times
• Creative and innovative approach to problem solvingBe confident to priortise own work and find solutions to complex problems

Qualifications

• Qualified to Degree level and/or with significant relevance

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28900

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