The Faculty of Science and Engineering is seeking a Research Impact Associate with a background in surveying and evaluation to develop innovative approaches for evidencing the reach and significance of open-source research resources.

Working closely with the Associate Dean for REF, academic colleagues and Professional Services teams, you will explore how the impact of non-standard research outputs—including software, datasets, and regulatory or design standards—can be identified and demonstrated among external users with whom the University may not have an established relationship. You will work with the impact team and academic case authors to strengthen the evidence underpinning prospective impact case studies for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2028 and inform the faculty’s longer-term research impact strategy.

Expectations of the role

You will design and apply qualitative and quantitative research techniques to understand how open-access resources are used and the difference they make to external, non-academic users. You will work with academics and external stakeholders to develop appropriate engagement and data-collection strategies, coordinate project activity, assess the effectiveness of different approaches, and translate findings into practical recommendations.

You will establish frameworks for managing project deliverables and support colleagues to articulate research impact through high-quality reports, communications and REF impact cases. You will also prepare presentations and publications on methods and findings, contribute to strategic discussions with senior stakeholders, and develop training that enables researchers to integrate effective impact evaluation into their projects.

This is an opportunity to shape emerging practice in research impact evaluation and help demonstrate how open-source research creates value beyond the University. You will be encouraged to share successful approaches across the faculty and to publish and present your work to wider academic audiences.

Candidate skills

You will hold a PhD or have equivalent relevant experience. You will bring experience of developing and evaluating remote or in-person quantitative and qualitative data-collection approaches, alongside a track record of building effective professional relationships with external audiences.

You will be able to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities, work independently while contributing effectively to a team, and communicate complex methods and findings clearly to different audiences. Strong analytical skills are essential, including the ability to evaluate and present outcomes from complex quantitative datasets. You should also have an awareness of research impact assessment in the context of REF and its relationship to research funding.

Experience of working in higher education, developing training or external engagement activities, managing stakeholder engagement in line with GDPR and ethical requirements, evidencing impact, or publishing research methods and findings would be advantageous.

(Grades 6-9)

Our benefits include:

Generous employer contribution pension
29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

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