Impact Officer

This fixed-term Impact Officer role supports Medical Sciences researchers at Newcastle University in embedding and enhancing the impact of their work. Key responsibilities include strategizing impact, identifying and tracking research impact for national assessments, and building collaborative relationships. Applicants need a strong understanding of the research environment and impact, effective communication, and collaboration skills.

• You will support researchers across the Faculty of Medical Sciences to embed impact within their research at an early stage in its development and to help them identify opportunities to enhance and accelerate its impact.
• You will help identify, track and evidence the impact of research and support the University to make best use of this information for submissions to national research assessment exercises.
• You will build and maintain strong working relationships both within and out with the University to help enhance and deliver impact.
• The role is fixed term, for 3 years.
• If you have any queries about the role, please reach out to Eve.Cosgrave@newcastle.ac.uk.
• Eve.Cosgrave@newcastle.ac.uk.
• Work with the Head of Faculty Research, Deputy Head of Research and the Faculty Dean of Research and Innovation to develop and deliver a strategy for research impact that embeds impact at an early stage of research
• ensuring a consistent approach across the faculty that supports researchers to develop and deliver compelling and evidenced impact from their research.
• Develop strong relationships with the researcher community to gain an in-depth understanding of the breadth of the Faculty’s research and its potential for impact.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Research and Impact leads in other faculties to help researchers articulate the impact of their research in the form of high-quality REF Impact Case Studies, in line with published requirements.
• This will include supporting researchers to identify, capture and evidence the impact of their research in line with REF guidelines, including the use of University’s research information management systems.
• Contribute to the development of a positive and aspirational research culture and work with the Head of Faculty Research and Deputy Head of Faculty Research to operationalise this at the Faculty level.
• Work with the Deputy Head of Faculty Research, funding development and innovation colleagues across the University to develop and deliver a range of resources, tools and training to help researchers to identify, enhance and accelerate the impact of their research.
• Provide comprehensive advice and support to researchers to develop impact plans for new and existing research projects. This will include providing advice to researchers around embedding impact in funding applications.
• Work with the University and Faculty Marketing and Communications Teams to support the communication and dissemination of our impactful research.
• Ensure that impact systems, processes and data collection are in place in a timely manner to ensure day to day monitoring of impact and readiness for future internal and external quality assessments.
• Develop and maintain a network across the University and HE sector more widely with regards to impact, gathering market intelligence, best practice and using this expertise and evidence base to influence policy and practice within the Faculty.
• Develop and maintain an awareness and understanding of higher education policy developments relating to impact including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Research England and other key funders and agencies relevant to the faculty.
• The post holder will report to the Deputy Head of Faculty Research.

• Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
• We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.
• At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.
• We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.
• We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
• In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• A sound understanding and knowledge of the national and international research environment, particularly relating to impact.
• A sound appreciation of the research lifecycle, including the conduct of research, its translation into policy, practice or product, and the role of different stakeholders in this process.
• A demonstrable understanding of how to build a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Effective collaboration, influencing and negotiation skills in an environment where resources may not be within their direct control.
• An ability to recognise and analyse the dynamics of problems and issues and provide innovative solutions.
• An ability to think strategically and comfortable working at a complex level including the management of conflicting priorities and demands
• Degree or equivalent level qualification and/or experience in a similar research or impact related role.