Research Impact and Engagement Officer (Medical, Health and Life Sciences)

Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland; Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An opportunity exists for a Research Impact & Engagement Officer at a leading university in Belfast. This role focuses on enhancing research engagement and impact, providing expert guidance, and supporting projects across the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences. Candidates should have relevant experience in research impact and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience of the research impact and engagement agenda in higher education or a research performing organisation.
• Strong understanding of how research makes a difference beyond academia.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and influence diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance research engagement and impact across the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences.
• Provide expert guidance on embedding impact across the research lifecycle.
• Liaise with senior stakeholders and act as a bridge between the Faculty and central REF team.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Independent working

Job description

Research Impact and Engagement Officer (Medical, Health and Life Sciences)

Queen’s University Belfast is seeking to appoint a Research Impact & Engagement Officer, available to 31 July 2026 in the first instance, to cover a period of maternity leave. The role sits within the Research Strategy and Engagement Team in the Research & Enterprise Directorate, and will also contribute to delivery of wider strategic projects across the research impact and engagement portfolio.

You will work in close partnership with academic and professional colleagues across the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences (MHLS) to support and enhance research engagement and impact. This includes providing expert guidance to researchers at all career stages on embedding impact across the research lifecycle, supporting the development and review of impact case studies for REF 2029, and contributing to evidence gathering, planning, and reporting activities. The role will also involve liaising with senior stakeholders and acting as a bridge between the Faculty and central REF team.

About the person:

You will have experience of the research impact and engagement agenda in higher education or a research performing organisation, and a strong understanding of how research makes a difference beyond academia. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and influence diverse stakeholders. Experience of REF or similar research assessment exercises is desirable.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.