The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.
Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website.
Loughborough University is looking to appoint several experienced and motivated individuals to serve as Unit of Assessment (UoA) Leads for the upcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 submission.
As a UoA Lead, you will play a crucial role in shaping and delivering our research strategy, ensuring high standards of excellence across the university. These positions require a commitment of at least 0.2 FTE and will last until December 31, 2028 (note that there may be a very small amount of activity after this date, relating to any REF audit queries and to communication of the REF results). In larger units with a substantial volume of work, it may be feasible to accommodate multiple individuals in these roles. Therefore, job-sharing arrangements will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to discuss this option with the Dean of their school.
We are seeking candidates for the following areas:
Note that recruitment for UoA 2 Public Health may follow at a later stage. In addition, UoA role leads may be terminated at any point, with 3 months’ notice, if REF Leadership Group decides that we will not submit to a particular UoA.
As a key member of the REF Planning Group, chaired by the Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research & Innovation – Research Excellence & Focus, you will play a vital role in shaping, driving, and delivering Loughborough University's submission to REF 2029. These roles are integral to ensuring that our submission upholds the high standards of research excellence across the university and as such, would normally be held by a senior academic.
We strongly encourage applications from all community sections, reflecting our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As a UoA Lead, you will collaborate closely with various committees, working groups, impact leads, Deans, and academic and professional staff to ensure a comprehensive, high-quality submission that aligns with our commitment to equality and diversity. Additionally, you will work closely with line managers to ensure all aspects of the submission are thorough and robust.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical element of our university’s research strategy for REF 2029. You will be at the forefront of ensuring that our research excellence is recognised nationally and internationally while also contributing to a culture of inclusivity and innovation. We encourage you to apply if you are a strategic thinker who is passionate about research.
Should you have any questions about the roles or the associated processes, please get in touch with Tanika Dhiri (T.Dhiri@lboro.ac.uk) who will arrange an informal discussion with an appropriate person. Please also do not hesitate to get in touch if you need support with your application.
For more information please see the Unit of Assessment (UoA) Lead Job Description and Person Specification.
Applications to be sent ref@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk and should consist of a cover letter (max. 2 pages), a CV (max. 2 pages) and should clearly state the UoA that you wish to lead.
Application closing date: 9 June 2025
Interviews: 16 June – 31 July 2025