Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager

Lstmed; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Liverpool seeks a Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager to drive strategic direction for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and enhance impact from research initiatives. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in higher education research management and a strong understanding of national policy priorities. This position is critical in shaping research strategies and fostering collaboration within the institution, contributing to the advancements in global health and innovation.

Benefits

30 days holiday

Generous pension schemes

Discounted gym membership

Employee assistance program

High street discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• The successful candidate must have knowledge and experience in higher education research, including REF.
• Significant involvement in managing previous REF submissions is essential.
• Knowledge of funding bodies and their priorities is required.
• An excellent understanding of national policy in research and exchange is important.

Responsibilities

• Act as LSTM’s trusted REF advisor, overseeing REF submissions.
• Develop policies for generating impact from research.
• Support senior academics at national and international forums.
• Ensure high quality and compliance in research information management.

Skills

Knowledge of research in higher education context

Significant experience in managing REF submissions

Understanding of funding bodies

Awareness of national policy priorities

Experience in senior research management

Knowledge of impact generation strategies

Ability to assess research performance

Experience of the research cycle

Excellent communication skills

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Job description

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Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager

Reference: DEC20259316

Expiry date: 23:59, Sun, 18th Jan 2026

Location: Liverpool

Benefits: 30 Days holiday + Bank Holiday and additional Christmas closure days

Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager

Contract: Full time, permanent position

Location: Liverpool, hybrid (minimum of 3 days on site per week)

In preparation for LSTM’s REF2029 submission, we are looking to appoint a Senior Research Excellence and Impact Manager to join our Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange within our professional services function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a broad range activities including all aspects of REF (Research Excellence Framework) including providing advice, leadership, coordination, compliance, quality and submission. This post will also hold responsibility for, developing policies and processes that support the generation of impact arising from our research.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Head of Research Strategy & Development in helping to shape a brand-new department. The post will also support the research committee Chair and leadership of the Secretariat, with the ultimate shared goal of creating an optimal research innovation ecosystem to deliver LSTM’s mission, whilst building on LSTM’s world‑class reputation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Research Excellence Framework (REF)
• Adopt the role of LSTM’s trusted REF (Research Excellence Framework) advisor, providing professional management of REF submissions and all subsequent exercises, including supporting the leadership team with the development and implementation of REF strategies.
• Analyse, interpret and adopt external guidance and policy, highlighting potential risk and exposure of the organisation and developing appropriate mitigations.
• Working with the Head of the Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange to provide leadership, guidance, and direction to the research strategy, fostering a collaborative and innovative approach.
• Lead, advise and support as domain expert user within LSTM’s Research Information System.
• Manage the relevant delivery priorities of the broader Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange team to sector‑leading standards, ensuring a high quality, focussed and fully compliant service is provided.
• Develop policies and procedures to support the generation of impact arising from our research
• Establish and maintain management information related to our research, and use this information to identify opportunities for the generation of impact case studies
• External Engagement:
• Support the Head of Research Strategy & Development and senior academics to represent LSTM at relevant national and international forums related to research and knowledge exchange excellence, sharing best practices, and establishing collaborative networks.
• Contribute and quality assure information/data returns for relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), including developing local processes to gather appropriate information.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Knowledge and experience of research within a higher education context, including REF
• Significant involvement in managing previous institutional REF submissions
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant funding bodies, their practice and strategic priorities
• An excellent understanding of broader national policy priorities in relation to research and knowledge exchange
• Experience in a senior research management or planning role in the higher education sector
• Knowledge and understanding of strategies aimed at generating impact through research
• The ability to assess research performance at all levels of institutional organisation, ensuring responsible use of metrics
• Experience of the research cycle, in particular horizon scanning and funder engagement
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Employee assistance programme to support with employee well‑being
• High street discounts and cashback offers
• Government‑backed cycle to work scheme
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application process:

To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub‑tropics.

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies