University REF Manager

Salary: £48,337 to £51,258 with progression to £57,666 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: 1 November 2026

The Role

Newcastle University is seeking to recruit a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Manager, to co-ordinate the University’s submission to REF2029

This is an exciting, high-profile position working with colleagues at a senior level across the University to project manage the preparation of the University’s REF submission in accordance with Research England requirements and deadlines. Applicants must have a thorough understanding of the research process and the REF with a proven track record in research management.

The postholder will require strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain relationships, providing information and advice to support decision-making with a view to optimising the University’s submission.

As University Research Excellence Framework (REF) Manager, you will co-ordinate the University’s submission to REF2029, working closely with senior management including the PVC Research & Innovation and stakeholders from across the university

Experience of complex project management together with strong analytical skills and experience of utilising data to inform strategic decision making are essential.

For an informal conversation regarding the role please contact Pete.Wheldon@ncl.ac.uk or David.Hill@ncl.ac.uk

To apply, please upload your CV along with a cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification found within the job description.

This role is fixed term until March 2029.

Key Accountabilities

• Project manage the preparation of the University’s REF submission in accordance with Research England requirements and deadlines on behalf of the PVC Research & Innovation, Director of Research & Innovation and University REF Steering Group.
• Interpret and communicate national REF guidance and technical requirements, advise professional services departments, academic units and faculties on policy and procedural matters including identification of key issues to be determined by University REF Steering Group.
• Manage the business of University REF Steering Group, working closely with the Chair (PVC Research & Innovation), providing information and advice to support strategic decision-making to optimise the University’s submission.
• Engage with faculties, academic units and professional service departments (in particular, Strategic Planning, Finance, Faculty Offices, People Services and the Library) to plan the University’s internal process and timetable for preparing each element of the REF submission. 
• Provide advice and, where appropriate, practical support in relation to the narrative aspects of the submission including Impact Case Studies and Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE).
• Manage REF communications including provision of REF briefings to colleagues and the development, delivery and maintenance of a dedicated REF website and co-ordinate the wider communication of REF related information.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• A thorough understanding of the research process and the REF.
• A proven track record in research management.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience of complex project management.
• Strong analytical skills with experience of utilising data to inform strategic decision making.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Strong track record working of 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, solution orientated approach to issue resolution.
• Resilience and sensitivity when dealing with complex problems.  
• Ability to identify risks and present viable recommendations and mitigations to ensure effective project delivery. 

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

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: 29831

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