Research and Knowledge Exchange Systems and Data Support Officer

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Grade 7 (£38,784.49 - £46,048.78)

Abertay is a modern university with a global outlook, rooted in its local and national communities. We have made our mark with high quality, well-directed teaching and research, and a stimulating and enriching experience for our students.

The Research, Innovation and Enterprise Support Office (RIES) delivers an integrated service across the full research and knowledge exchange (RKE) funding lifecycle, from bid development and submission through to award set‑up and post‑award support. The team provides expert advice, guidance and operational assistance across the University’s RKE portfolio, ensuring compliance with major funders and government agencies while enabling high‑quality research and knowledge exchange activity that advances the University’s strategic ambitions. The RIES Office is co‑located with the Graduate School, which supports and develops the University’s vibrant postgraduate and researcher community. Both teams are overseen by the Vice‑Principal (Research & Innovation) and work from a dedicated facility at the heart of campus. Together, the RIES Office and Graduate School strengthen the University’s research culture and environment, supporting delivery of the Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy R‑LINCS.

The University now seeks to appoint a Research and Knowledge Exchange Systems and Data Support Officer

Reporting to the Vice‑Principal (Research & Innovation) and working closely with the Scholarly Publications and Research Information Specialist, you will you will play a key role in enabling the University’s ambition to deliver an outstanding RKE support service. You will lead on the development, procurement, implementation, integration and day‑to‑day operation of business‑critical RKE systems, ensuring they are robust, accessible, and fit for purpose to support both operational delivery and strategic priorities.

You will be responsible for the stewardship, analysis and effective use of RKE data. You will produce accurate, insightful and timely management information and reports for the RKE Leadership Team, directly informing strategy development, service enhancement and compliance activity.

You will support the operational delivery of major research and knowledge exchange data submissions (including REF, KEIF and HE‑BCIS), with end‑to‑end responsibility for data integrity, quality assurance, analysis and presentation. This will include establishing and maintaining research intelligence databases and dashboards, and working closely with Faculties and Professional Support Services to ensure consistent, reliable and meaningful data collection and reporting.

The postholder will be confident in, or able to rapidly develop, expertise in RKE information systems such as PURE, Wellspring Evolve and the REF Submission System. You will provide system administration, troubleshooting, routine and ad hoc data entry, reporting and testing, and will take a leading role in ensuring system readiness for REF2029 and other statutory returns.

Working closely with the REF Team, you will provide operational leadership on research systems and RKE data governance, with a particular focus on:

Administration and development of business‑critical RKE systems (including PURE and related platforms)
REF2029 data operational delivery, including system configuration, testing, data preparation and submission
Research governance, integrity and compliance (including Funder Open Access and Research Data Management)
High‑quality reporting and analysis for RKE leadership, committees and statutory bodies
Training, guidance and user support for academic and professional services staff.

You will exercise a high degree of independent responsibility and regularly manage complex issues requiring influence and collaboration across the University and with external stakeholders. Strong organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills will be essential to prioritise work effectively, meet demanding deadlines, and resolve problems with a high level of attention to detail.

The role will also lead on the ongoing maintenance and development of research support systems, including (but not limited to) PURE, costing and IP management systems. As system landscapes evolve, you will ensure seamless operation, appropriate integration with internal and external platforms, and alignment with emerging institutional and sector requirements.

You will contribute to the configuration and implementation of new systems and modules, working closely with key stakeholders to support adoption and continuous improvement. This will include developing and delivering effective training and supporting process change to ensure systems and the services they underpin deliver maximum value to the University’s research and knowledge exchange mission.

Role Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will provide operational leadership for the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) systems, data, and reporting, ensuring they effectively support institutional priorities, compliance, and decision‑making.

The key responsibilities and duties of the post include:-

Systems operational leadership and development

Lead the development, procurement, implementation, and continuous improvement of business‑critical RKE systems, acting as product owner and technical lead.
Contribute to the development of robust business cases for new or enhanced RKE systems and infrastructure.
Translate external requirements (e.g. Funder requirements, REF submission specifications) into operational policies and system configurations.
Work with IT Services and system suppliers to manage upgrades, enhancements, integrations, and releases, including testing and evaluation.

Data management, reporting, and analytics

Manage and analyse research and scholarly activity data to support business planning, corporate reporting, KPIs, and strategic decision‑making.
Produce and/or support accurate, timely management information, dashboards, and analytical reports for the RKE leadership team, REF planning, and institutional reporting.
Help coordinate and manage research and scholarly activity surveys and maintain associated reporting outputs.

REF and statutory data submissions

Support the operational delivery of research and knowledge exchange‑related data submissions (e.g. REF, KEIF, HE‑BCIS,), including analysis and communication of outcomes.
Establish and maintain system structures and workflows, as appropriate, within PURE to support REF outputs, environment, and impact monitoring.
Contribute to institutional strategy relating to REF, research environment, and researcher development.

Systems configuration, integration, and quality assurance

Analyse system requirements and business processes, mapping needs to existing solutions, identifying gaps, and proposing improvements.
Coordinate and prioritise system integrations, data mapping, and historic data loading where required.
Monitor data quality, integrity, performance, and synchronisation across systems, resolving issues and documenting errors and downtime.
Ensure compliance with internal and external policy and funder requirements, including Open Access and funder mandates.

User support, training, and documentation

Provide expert application support, acting as first‑line and escalated support for academic and professional services users.
Develop and deliver training and guidance (workshops, online resources, inductions) for staff and research students.
Produce and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including SOPs, user guides, process maps, FAQs, and administrator documentation.
Maintain relevant system webpages and user communications.

Stakeholder engagement and external liaison

Build and sustain effective working relationships with academic staff, professional services, senior managers, system suppliers, and external bodies.
Represent Abertay at internal and external meetings, committees, and sector forums relating to PURE and other research systems, REF, and Open Access, as required.
Engage with external user communities to share best practice and influence supplier development roadmaps.

Governance, compliance, and professional contribution

Work closely with senior leaders to ensure compliance with funder requirements and terms and conditions, and REF eligibility checks.
Ensure access controls and permissions appropriately protect confidential and sensitive information.
Maintain continuous professional development and contribute positively to a collegial, collaborative University environment.
Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

The role requires a data‑savvy, analytically strong professional with deep experience in research information systems, exceptional communication and organisational skills, and the ability to lead, problem‑solve, and work proactively with accuracy and discretion. It calls for someone confident in managing complex data, systems, and people while delivering high‑quality insights and outputs in a university research environment.

If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application through our online recruitment system.

Committed to Equal Opportunities

Abertay University is a Scottish Registered Charity,

No: SC016040

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