Dean of Academic Research Excellence Framework Planning – INTERNAL ONLY

A role has been created to provide academic leadership and drive the agenda in the planning and preparations for REF2028. 

The changes to the framework mean that it will be important to have senior academic oversight of the REF planning and preparations.

This role incorporates all aspects of REF (Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding, Engagement and Impact and People, Culture and Environment). The role-holder will work closely with the VP (Research & Innovation) and the REF/KEF Director to plan, prepare and optimise the success of submissions for all of King’s Units of Assessment (UOAs). They will act as the point of contact for faculties on all academic REF matters, develop plans to analyse and action the annual REF readiness exercise, work with the analytics team to develop and select tools for analysing and optimising UOA submissions. They will work with the academic leads for impact and the Research Impact Committee to ensure that the College has the highest possible quality impact submission.

The Dean of Academic Research Excellence Framework Planning will form part of the leadership team overseeing preparations for the REF. They will sit on the university REF Oversight Group, and will Chair the Research Impact Committee. They will act as a REF contact for Research England and, when appropriate, will deputise for the VP (Research & Innovation). Key contacts will be the Dean of Research Culture and the Dean of Doctoral Studies.

They will have a strong understanding of the REF, preferably including experience of leadership in this area, and of managing a submission for REF2021. The successful appointee will also need exceptional interpersonal and negotiating skills as it will be important to establish good working relationships with academic and professional services colleagues.

Given the scale of King’s REF2028 submission, and the close working with faculties and external bodies, it is expected the successful candidate will have experience in leading and managing research and staff gained for example as Head of Department, Head of School, or managing a large scale research facility or similar activity.

The role will be 0.4FTE, with time buyout and allowance. To apply, please submit an Expression of Interest (no more than one page) outlining how you meet the person specification. Interviews will be held on 8 January 2024 and the interview panel will consist of the VP (Research & Innovation), REF/KEF Director and at least two Faculty Vice-Deans.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 5 years 

This is a part-time  post – 40% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• To work closely with the VP (Research and Innovation) and the REF/KEF Director to plan and prepare for REF 2028;  
• To contribute to the development of strategies to implement sustainable changes to research excellence practice; 
• To act as the point of contact for all faculties for all academic REF matters;
• To develop plans to analyse and action the annual REF readiness exercise;
• To work with colleagues to develop and select tools for analysing and optimising UOA submissions;
• To work with the REF/KEF Director and liaise with various parts of the university (i.e. HR data, EDI etc.) to ensure accurate data submission;
• To Chair the Research Impact Committee, and to take forward actions relating to the REF Engagement and Impact submission;
• To sit on the REF Oversight Group and deputise for the VP (Research & Innovation) as necessary*;*
• To be the REF contact for Research England

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria