Knowledge Exchange Officer (Evaluation Services), Research and Enterprise Office: University of Essex

Research and Enterprise Office (REO)

The Research and Enterprise Office (REO) is an Administrative Section within the university’s Professional Services. The Director of the REO reports to the Registrar and Secretary of the university. The REO supports the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and the Faculty Executive Deans in the development and implementation of the university’s Research Strategy.

The REO delivers services to the University’s academic community to support a range of research, impact and knowledge exchange activities.  The section also contributes to a wide range of business engagement activities and facilitates the delivery of services to business as well as to the wider economic community. Its range of activities includes:

 – Research strategy and policy;

 – Identification of funding opportunities;

 – Research governance and ethics;

 – Supporting the development and submission of research grant applications;

 – Grant and contract negotiation, costing and pricing;

 – Financial management of research awards;

 – Co-ordination of the University’s REF and KEF submissions

 – Research impact and Knowledge Exchange, including the management of intellectual property, the    commercialisation of research, licences, spin-outs and consultancy;

 – Business Incubation facilities;

 – Engagement with local and regional communities in the public private and third sectors;

 – Managing key accounts with industry;

 – Promoting the university’s research expertise and related services and managing the resulting customer relationships

Duties of the Role

Applications are invited for the post of Knowledge Exchange Officer – Evaluation Services. Based in the Research and Enterprise Office, this post will be responsible for the development of a range of evaluation services across the University of Essex’s academic departments and disciplines.

The Knowledge Exchange Officer – Evaluation Services role is responsible for income generation through contract research and consultancy; managing the University’s subscriptions to a range of tender platforms; client management; academic liaison; pre-qualification / ITT bid-writing and costing; and post-tender management. As a portfolio of new evaluation contracts is established, the post-holder is expected to be involved in programme management, coordination, and delivery. The skillset of the role-holder needs to combine academic and client-facing liaison, business development, and programme and project management. The position will involve delivery of existing projects, broadening the portfolio of new opportunities, and consolidation of the Evaluation Services Advisory Group.

Whilst this is a full-time post, applications will be considered for appointment at 0.8 FTE (28.8 hours per week/ four days per week).

Skills and qualifications required

The Knowledge Exchange Officer will have a keen interest to work at the forefront of KE and possess the ability to use initiative and work independently, and as part of a team.  Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), the post holder will have strong communication skills (written and verbal) combined with an ability to interpret and articulate complex research outcomes for a ‘lay’ audience, and to develop offers which respond to external need, as well as a high level of integrity, self-motivation and the ability to work to competing deadlines.

In addition, you will have previous experience of preparing written reports (or similar documentation), using databases and data manipulation, stakeholder relationship management, and a demonstrable ability to set up, coordinate and monitor a range of projects simultaneously.

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.

To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.

Please follow the link below to read further information about this role including the full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details of how to make your application here.

Our website http://www.essex.ac.uk contains more information about the University of Essex. If you have a disability and would like information in a different format, please telephone (01206) 876559.

Salary: £34,304 – £40,927 per annum (pro-rata for part-time)