Head of Ref and Research Support

**About The Job**

Interview Date: 07 March 2025

This post will be principally focussed on leading on future REF submissions for the University of Northampton working closely with the Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange alongside managing the Research Support Team to develop and deliver support that enables our Researchers to maximise their potential.

The postholder will be required to ensure that support is in place for all aspects of research support, including programmes of training and development, management of the Universities REF (Research Excellence Framework) submission and funding support. This includes line management of the Research Support team, management of the University’s research management system and institutional repositories, research data management, scholarly communications, copyright, funding, metrics/alternative metrics, impact and open research.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our staff and students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

**About You**

All applicants will need to have experience and excellent working knowledge of current REF requirements and supporting research in a Higher Education setting and be fully up to date in their knowledge of recent trends, policies and developments in research support and research repository systems. They should also be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of research impact and knowledge of Open Research. They should have demonstrable experience of working with Information Technology (particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and experience of delivering teaching and/or training activities (including online and blended learning). The post will require the ability to research, analyse, summarise and clearly present complex numerical data and information for a range of audiences.

The post will require experience of team leadership alongside excellent project management skills, a willingness to engage with relevant professional networks and evidence of ability and experience in budget management.

**Qualifications**

Essential:

- Good Honours degree or equivalent
- Evidence of continuing professional development

Desirable:

- Relevant vocational/professional qualification and/or membership of a relevant professional body
- MRes, PhD or equivalent

**Research and Knowledge Exchange**

The successful applicant will join the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange which comprises of the Research Support team, the Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise team, the Graduate School and two research institutes. We have recently invested in both the Research Support team and the Knowledge Exchange team in line with the University’s Strategy to grow both of these areas. These teams comprise of a range of skills and talent that work collectively across the Directorate.

**About Us**

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

**Our People**
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

**Our Values**
- **Inclusivity**: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
- **Sustainability**: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
- **Aspiration**: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
- **Trust**: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

**Right To Work**

**Equality**

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
- Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion_

**Commitments Include**:

- **Creating an Inclusive Environment**: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
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