REF Impact Officer

Are you passionate about research impact and looking for a dynamic role at one
of the world’s leading universities? The Medical Sciences Division at the
University of Oxford is seeking an experienced **REF Impact Officer** to
support its REF2029 submission. This newly created position offers a
stimulating opportunity to engage with world-leading research teams across
diverse areas, from vaccine development and cutting-edge cancer therapies to
the latest advances in neuroscience.





The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the
quality of research in UK higher education institutions. As REF Impact
Officer, you will play a crucial role in preparing, coordinating, and
delivering a portfolio of high-quality impact case studies and narrative
statements for the Main Panel A REF submission. Working closely with the
Research Evaluation Manager and colleagues across departments, you will
provide expert advice and guidance on REF impact policy, ensuring that our
research impact is effectively captured and articulated.





**Key responsibilities include:**





• Serve as an expert on REF 2029 Engagement and Impact guidance, be an
authoritative source of information and highly trusted source of advice.



• Collaborate with departments to develop the Engagement and Impact element of
the REF submission for Main Panel A.



• Lead the drafting of impact case studies and statements for the Main Panel A
submission, working closely with research teams and departments and help
sourcing corroborating evidence when needed.



• Manage the impact case study submission for Main Panel A by establishing and
implementing processes for identifying and developing impact case studies.



• Represent the division in sector-wide consultations and discussions on
research impact.



Applicants should be educated to degree level and have prior experience
working in the UK HEI landscape in an impact capacity. They must be skilled at
crafting compelling narratives tailored to the research with a REF audience in
mind.





Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, with the
ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally to diverse
audiences. Applicants should also have excellent organisational skills,
demonstrating the ability to prioritise tasks effectively and deliver high-
quality work to tight deadlines.





The post is a fixed-term, full-time position, but we welcome discussions
regarding flexible working arrangements. The post holder will be required to
be in office at least one day a week with the team.





It is anticipated that interviews will be held in the first week of June.





**What We Offer:**





As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is
reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including 38 days' annual
leave (inclusive of bank holidays and fixed closure days), generous pension
schemes and free access to the Oxford colleges. The other benefits include:





* Travel - We have several travel schemes available for staff which promote sustainable modes of transport.


* Family friendly benefits - We aim to be a family-friendly employer and offer a range of flexible working options. We have some of the most generous family leave provision in the Higher Education sector.


* Sports – We have several schemes to help you stay fit and healthy, including discounted membership of the university sports centre on the Iffley Road


* Personal and professional development - We actively encourage all staff to participate in planning their personal and professional development and provide a broad range of opportunities to enable them to reach their full potential.


* University club - All staff are entitled to free membership of the University Club. It offers social and hospitality facilities, a small gym and exercise classes.


* Staff discounts - University staff can access shopping discounts in several ways.


* Childcare services - We offer excellent childcare services including five University nurseries as well as University-supported places at other local private nurseries.