REF Support Manager

Birkbeck, University of London, is looking for a REF Support Manager to provide high quality, professional and proactive management of Birkbeck's submission to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2029.

As REF Support Manager, you will proactively lead engagement on REF, working in partnership with stakeholders from across the university to coordinate activity of the REF submission, and you'll be the main point of contact for academic staff, ensuring the best possible support across Birkbeck.

REF is a national exercise that assesses the quality of research in UK universities, and allocates £11.5 million funding per annum to Birkbeck based on its results.

Among your responsibilities, you will provide comprehensive administrative and technical support for the REF submission, managing and leading research excellence and REF activities. This is including:

• the planning, coordination and delivery of the university’s REF submission following the institutional timetable,
• support development and operation of internal REF review processes and the implementation of institutional systems and processes for the collection, validation and management of REF data,
• coordinate the work of academic and professional services colleagues involved in REF,
• organise and coordinate REF-related meetings, including agendas, papers, minutes, and follow-up actions,
• collating, analysing and managing information on research outputs and SPRE to support strategic decision-making,
• lead the preparation of internal reports and analyses on research performance and REF readiness, and prepare other papers and updates for meetings, 
• lead discrete projects related to REF, under the direction of the Director of Research & REF Manager,
• maintain awareness of developments in the REF Programme and approach, attending webinars etc as required.

To succeed in this role you need to have a solid understanding of the research process and the REF; a proven track record in research management, and strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. You will also be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience.

This opportunity would build on experience as; REF Support officer, Research Strategy and Governance Officer/Manager, Impact professional, Research Manager etc. 

Contract

Fixed-term to 31 May 2029. Part-time (31.5 hours per week - 0.9 FTE). Flexible and hybrid working offered. Please submit an application form for consideration. Closing date: Wednesday 1 July 2026, interview date: w/c 6 July 2026.  

Salary and benefits

Actual £39,822 rising to £45,341 per annum, 0.9 FTE (pro-rated £44,247 rising to £50,379 per annum.) Grade 7 on the College's London Pay Scale and includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance that applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area. 

Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible, hybrid working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in the heart of Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please click on apply below or contact Sarah Lee, Director of Research, at sarah.lee@bbk.ac.uk

If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and ethnic diversity of its workforce, holding a bronze Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.