Senior Research & Innovation Analyst

University of Kent; Canterbury; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Canterbury is seeking a Senior Research & Innovation Analyst. You will be essential in managing costing systems, leading reports for compliance, and delivering accurate analytics. Ideal candidates will have strong HE knowledge, expertise in data analysis including SQL, and excellent stakeholder communication skills. The role comes with hybrid working, generous leave, and a robust pension plan. Enjoy a collaborative work environment and contribute to impactful research.

Benefits

Hybrid working options

43 days of leave per year

Excellent pension scheme

Corporate healthcare plan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in HE knowledge and R&I reporting.
• Strong analytical skills, particularly with large data sets.
• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop costing and pricing systems.
• Lead TRAC and fEC reporting and compliance activities.
• Deliver high-quality research and innovation reporting.
• Enhance analytics and reporting tools for stakeholders.

Skills

Strong HE knowledge

R&I reporting experience

Excellent data analysis skills

SQL experience

Organised approach

Stakeholder communication

Tools

SQL

SSRS

Job description

Overview

Do you have a strong understanding of the Higher Education sector and the strategic challenges facing research and innovation? Do you enjoy turning complex data into clear insight and supporting high-quality reporting and compliance? If so, we’d welcome your application for this role.

In this role you will drive research and innovation impact as part of the University’s Research & Innovation Operations team. You’ll play a key role in delivering accurate reporting, analytics and compliance activity to support the University’s research and innovation objectives and minimise regulatory risk.

As Senior Research & Innovation (R&I) Analyst you can expect to be involved in:

• Managing, maintaining and developing systems and processes related to the University’s costing and pricing systems
• Lead on TRAC and fEC reporting and compliance, supporting submissions, surveys, audits and project-level costing requirements
• Deliver high-quality research and innovation reporting, including external returns (HE-BCI, HESA, KEF, REF), benchmarking, KPIs and Planning Round reporting
• Develop and improve analytics and reporting tools, including SQL-based datasets and SSRS reports, ensuring data quality and accessible insight for stakeholders

What will you bring to the role?

• Strong HE knowledge and proven R&I reporting experience, including external monitoring and compliance requirements
• Excellent data and analysis skills, including practical SQL experience and confidence handling large, complex datasets
• A proactive, organised approach, with the ability to manage deadlines, communicate clearly, and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You\'ll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days\' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact [e-mail] quoting reference number BDRI-006-26.

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.