Job Purpose

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) Officer will lead on the coordination of the University of Glasgow’s REF Reviews process, an integral component of the University’s REF2029 preparations. This will include the administration, communication and reporting processes of the panel meetings. The post will also provide key support in capturing, collating and communicating lessons learned from the review process in order to support the final stages of preparation for submission.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the development and implementation of the REF Reviews processes, to be informed by ongoing lessons learned and REF guidance.

2. Lead on the coordination of the full UofG REF Reviews process, to include holistic and REF element-specific reviews, at both College and REF Unit of Assessment (UoA) level and with both internal and external panel members.

3. Proactively and independently service multiple REF Review panel meetings. Plan and arrange meetings involving multiple internal & external stakeholders. Draft and collate materials for meetings. Manage and draft communications following panel meetings and drive actions arising between meetings.

4. Act as the main point of contact for the REF Reviews process, liaising with College and UoA colleagues to provide expert advice and share best practice.

5. Manage the REF Reviews budget, including arranging payments for external panel members.

6. Provide clear and consistent communications on the REF Reviews, updating the UofG REF SharePoint site and supporting the REF newsletter and other local communication channels.

7. Conduct ongoing review of lessons learned from the reviews process and incorporate that into future planning.

8. Inform and support colleagues at an institutional and local level in the transition between reviews to submission, using knowledge gained from the REF Reviews experience.

9. Support the Research Enhancement Team, Impact & Engagement Team and Research Culture Team where required, particularly in the critical period following review to incorporate outputs of the reviews into final submission preparations.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills through personal development and progression in a similar related role(s). Or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2 Detailed knowledge of project management methodologies.

Desirable:

B1 Thorough knowledge of University and Higher Education procedures and current issues affecting the University, particularly around the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to write reports, presentations and other materials for a variety of audiences.

C2 Ability to use initiative and work proactively, simultaneously handling and prioritising diverse complex tasks, exercising independent judgement while meeting deadlines.

C3 Ability to understand and apply policies, regulations, guidelines, and standard operating procedures relevant to the role.

C4 Strong analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to varied and complex tasks.

C5 Ability to interpret, analyse, manipulate and present data.

C6 Ability, with line management support, to successfully challenge existing practice to bring about change.

C7 Proficient user of Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams, Zoom and similar online applications.

C8 Excellent organisational skills and proven high level of attention to detail.

C9 Tact, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.

Desirable: 

D1 Experience of university accounting processes and Agresso.

Experience

Essential: 

E1 Experience of successful collaborative working across a large organisation, interacting with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, from different backgrounds and at varying levels of seniority.

E2 Experience of working in a complex environment and communicating with different teams.

E3 Experience of project management and planning and setting priorities over short-, medium- and long-term periods.

E4 Experience of problem solving, planning, organising, and setting priorities.

E5 Experience of decision making, involving independent analysis and judgement.

E6 Experience of drafting papers and reports for various audiences.

E7 Experience of working calmly and methodically within a pressurised environment.

E8 Experience of clerking meetings and driving forward actions.

Desirable:  

F1 Experience using University systems such as PeopleXD and Enlighten, or similar systems.

F2 Experience of financial administration within a university environment.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and fixed term for up to 42 months. This role can support hybrid working.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing date: 8 June 2025