Research Excellence Framework (REF) Impact Officer

Department

Faculty of Social Sciences

Salary

£32,080 - £36,636 per year

Grade

Grade 5

Contract status

Fixed term

Hours of work

Full-time

Based at

University of York campus

Interview date

To be confirmed

Posted Date

04/09/2026

Apply by

18/09/2026

Job Reference

15331

Documents

• Job description 15274.pdf (PDF, 250.65kb)
  
  

Role Description

Department

The Faculty of Social Sciences brings together a diverse community of academic and professional services staff working across a wide range of disciplines. The Faculty Impact Team supports researchers to develop, deliver and evidence the benefits of their research beyond academia.

We are seeking a REF Impact Officer to support the Faculty's preparations for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the development of high-quality impact case studies. The postholder will work closely with academic colleagues, departmental impact leads and professional services teams across the Faculty and University.

Role

You will support the Faculty's preparations for the Research Excellence Framework by helping to develop and manage impact case studies across the Social Sciences. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, you will coordinate review processes, maintain accurate records and support the collection of evidence. You will help set up and manage impact case study records in Pure and other relevant systems, and undertake targeted searches using tools such as Overton. You will interpret REF guidance and University procedures, providing clear advice to colleagues where needed. You will also support meetings, reporting and key deadlines, while managing competing priorities within a busy Faculty team.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed

You will have:

• An understanding of the academic research process, particularly within the Social Sciences.
• An awareness of knowledge exchange and impact activities and how these may contribute to research impact.
• An awareness of funder and REF requirements relating to impact.
• Experience of interpreting policies, regulations or guidance and explaining these clearly to others.
• Experience of building effective working relationships across different teams or staff groups.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and confidence in handling and maintaining accurate information.
• Experience of using digital systems and databases, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Experience of supporting research, impact, knowledge exchange or REF-related activity would be an advantage.
  
  

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: Please contact Dr Christina Brennan on [HIDDEN TEXT]

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York's commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.