Bristol, United Kingdom
Job Info
* Job Category Policy
* Apply Before 03/23/2026, 12:00 AM
* Job Identification 2057
* Posting Date 03/05/2026, 02:41 PM
* Job Shift Day
* Hours Full Time/ Part Time
Job Description
Research England
Salary: £46,743 per annum
Band: UKRI Band E
Team: Knowledge Exchange
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (min 0.8 FTE) – flexible working available
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Fixed end date, 4th June 2027)
Location: Westward House, Bristol
Closing Date: 23rd March 2026
Interview Date: 14th April 2026
Employees applying for any opportunity which may mean being away from your substantive role for a temporary period of time, please refer to the Recruitment Policy for further information in the first instance. If you are made an offer, please ensure you liaise with your Line Manager and the designated HR Team as soon as possible in order that implications of any move are clear and understood, prior to a move taking place.
About the role
We use the term ‘knowledge exchange’ to cover the multiple interactions between universities and businesses, public services, charities and communities to create societal and economic benefit. These interactions include joint research and development projects, consultancy and training, knowledge transfer partnerships and setting up new companies and social enterprises.
A Higher Education Policy Adviser at pay band E contributes to the Council’s work by working with colleagues to develop and/or implement Research England policy and by managing – and sometimes leading – relations with universities and other external organisations. The main purpose of this role is overseeing funding allocations and/or funded awards and in policy development – particularly assimilating evidence that is both qualitative and quantitative and producing detailed papers and briefings.
We are looking for a very well-organised, self-motivated person, ideally with a background in higher education, knowledge exchange or research policy. Capable of working on their own initiative, the ideal candidate will contribute substantially to the delivery of policy. You will have strong project management skills, an analytical approach, and be a confident communicator with people at all levels. You will need to work flexibly to contribute fully within a small team, with a proactive approach to solving problems within challenging deadlines.
If you have these qualities and experience; knowledge and interest in higher education knowledge exchange policy & funding; and would welcome the opportunity to take on this exciting role then we would very much like to hear from you.
Your responsibilities:
The Knowledge Exchange (KE) team cover a broad area of KE activities - making best use of resources and skills within a small team and ensuring broad understanding of all aspects of KE policy.
KE policy responsibilities of the post:
* Contribute to the development of KE policy and funding, particularly incorporating policy objectives within processes, while considering the level of institutional burden and monitoring information required. This will include:
o Contribute to the design and implementation of a programme of review to Research England’s approach to Higher Education Innovation Funding (HEIF).
o Contribute to policy delivery on a range of KE topics, particularly on the delivery of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.
o Supporting senior colleagues on the development of wider KE policy and funding, drawing together data and evidence and options as required as recommendations are developed on how policy objectives can be addressed and implemented.
o Support the effective distribution of formula funding for KE (HEIF), working with colleagues across Research England through analysis of funding data, creating options appraisals, and contributing to work required on funding assurance and accountability.
* Considering evidence and analysis to inform evaluation and monitoring of KE policy/HEIF to enable Research England to make a strong case for the value of our funding mechanisms, both externally and to Government, including assisting in procuring and commissioning external work and managing external suppliers as necessary;
* Responding to queries from Government, including updates on emerging policy priorities and more business-as-usual work on KE policy activity,
* Work as part of the team to assist with the design and implementation of KE funding assurance and accountability processes, particularly for HEIF, and supporting the internal management of process delivery;
* Working on projects as they arise to meet emerging KE policy priorities and other emerging Research England priorities;
* Act as a point of contact for queries from the sector and wider stakeholders on knowledge exchange, particularly focussed on use of and monitoring HEIF formula funding as well as broader work, and building relationships with nominated external stakeholders for effective policy engagement and dissemination;
* Supporting the development of evidence for the value of HEIF, both qualitative and quantitative.
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
* Experience of policy development in a higher education, or research-based organization, with demonstrable interest in developing knowledge of how UKRI operates within the higher education sector (S+I)
* Experience of working effectively in a team, including planning and leading activities. (S+I)
* Strong project management and organisational skills, particularly relating to commissioning research/knowledge exchange awards, with the ability to forward plan time and resources accordingly. (S+I)
* Numerate, with strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate and interpret information to form judgements, with an ability to present complex data clearly and effectively, both visually and in writing. (S+I)
* A confident and approachable communicator able to communicate and build effective working relationships with people at all levels internally and externally, in a clear, concise and fluent manner (I)
* Ability to write clear and accurate correspondence, appropriately tailored to the audience. (S+I)
* Demonstrating a creative, flexible and positive approach to problem solving. (I)
* Strong IT skills using Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel & PowerPoint) and confident in working alongside/engaging with IT professionals engaged in technical delivery. (S)
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
* 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
* Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
* Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
* Flexible working options.
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see:
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org
About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
About the Team
Research England is one of the nine Councils within UK Research and Innovation. As a key component of the research funding system, Research England will oversee UKRI’s England-only functions in relation to university research and knowledge exchange (KE). This includes providing grant funding to English universities for related activities; developing and implementing the Research Excellence Framework in partnership with the UK Higher Education funding bodies; supervising the sustainability of the Higher Education research base in England; guide the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund; and coordinate the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF). Research England will build and sustain the conditions for a healthy and dynamic research and KE system in English universities. They also work closely with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations.
For more information about Research England, click here .
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