Research Planning Partner - Engineering and Physical Science

Research Planning Partners support activities around support for REF submissions, Research Impact (for REF and more broadly), Research Engagement, Research Management Information, and Research Strategy. There is a particular focus on embedding impact within Colleges and providing support to academic colleagues to enhance research impact.

The postholder is a key member of the broader University team supporting research and works closely with key individuals from the academic Colleges and Professional Services, including Directors of Research and Knowledge Transfer, Principal Investigators and other academics involved in delivering impact, Research Support Partners and teams who support research bids and grants, College Planning Partners, and colleagues from Alta, Research Support Services (Finance and Ethics), Library Services, Business Engagement and Marketing and Communications.Duties are varied and involve providing advice, support and training to colleagues around REF, impact and research strategy; organisation of events and activities; supporting and developing systems for management information and data capture; and taking on specific projects as required.

This post will focus on the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), working closely with the College's Director and Deputy Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer, and informed by the leadership and priorities of the DPVC (Research Impact).

Knowledge/ Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in a discipline related to those represented in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and evidence of self-directed research and/or evidence of empathy with the research process (which may be demonstrated by a postgraduate degree or participation in the research process at graduate level) are essential.
• Evidence of a high standard of written and oral English, including the ability to critique and help re-draft material effectively, is essential.
• Evidence of highly developed numerical and IT skills, including data manipulation and presentation using standard Microsoft products (excel and access) to support communication, analysis of information, data dissemination and project management,and an understanding of the use of the web and social media in communicating the outcomes and impact of research.

Skills/Attributes required (these are all essential):

Excellent interpersonal skills are essential. The postholder will be expected to interact with a range of stakeholders including senior University managers up to Vice-Chancellor level; lay members of Council, external enquirers; colleagues in other Universities and funding bodies; senior academic and non-academic managers and colleagues from across the Corporate Services.This interaction will involve the provision of advice and guidance to staff at all levels, and requires the postholder to have the ability to listen effectively and to moderate their behaviour according to audience, situation and method.The postholder must understand the challenges of working within a highly political environment, be capable of maintaining a professional, cool and calm approach in all circumstances, and must be able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills.

Other skills and attributes:

• Project management skills, with some formal qualification in project management desirable.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new IT-based systems.
• Effective negotiation and influencing skills at all levels, creating professional relationships with researchers, administrators and senior staff internally and externally and the ability to work across academic disciplines. Ability to synthesise and communicate complex information and data to a variety of audiences.
• Accuracy and attention to detail, particularly experience of interpreting and adhering to detailed and precise requirements and providing advice on the same.
• Well-developed organisational abilities including the ability to initiate, specify and manage projects, keep accurate records and produce status or progress reports is essential.
• An understanding of committee organisation
• Ability to work on own initiative, manage time effectively, work to deadlines; and to maintain high standards including when under pressure.
• Problem-solving skills including the ability to act with autonomy, without requiring close supervision.
• Absolute discretion; the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Level of previous experience required:

• Prior work experience in a Higher Education institution is required
• Previous experience of working in a REF, research support, knowledge exchange or research impact environment is required.This might be evidenced, for example, through support for the delivery of policy or cultural or other forms of impact.
• Experience of partnership-building and networking is required.
• Experience of policy and strategy development/implementation is desirable.

Closing Date

4 Feb 2019

Salary

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £40,792 to £48,677. With potential progression once in post to £54,765 a year.