Research Officer

Research Officer (Fixed term 2 yrs)

Leeds Business School (LBS) is looking for a highly organised and motivated Research Officer to join our research community and help deliver the School’s strategic research ambitions. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to our preparation for REF 2029, strengthen support for our Research Clusters, and play a key role in advancing the School’s research impact culture.

About the Role

Working closely with the Research Director, Research Cluster Leads and Impact Case Study Leads, you will support research and enterprise activity across the School. A major focus of this role is contributing to the development of high-quality Impact Case Studies, ensuring that evidence is planned, collected, managed and presented effectively for Unit of Assessment 17 (Business & Management).

You will support colleagues across Leeds Business School in initiating, designing and delivering research activity. This includes coordinating research and enterprise projects, conducting data collection and analysis, assisting with ethics applications, and supporting external funding applications. You will also contribute to the development of collaborative partnerships and help promote our research and enterprise engagement.

This role is integral to the successful delivery of the School’s REF submission and wider research strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Impact, Research & Enterprise Support

• Work with Impact Case Study Leads to gather, verify and manage evidence of research impact.
• Support Research Cluster Leads to develop projects, outputs and impact pathways across the School.
• Scan national and international funding databases to identify suitable research and enterprise opportunities.
• Assist colleagues in preparing funding applications, tenders and bid documentation.

Research Delivery & Data Management

• Recruit and gain informed consent from research participants; conduct quantitative and/or qualitative data collection in line with project protocols.
• Undertake literature searches and contribute to methodological refinement within projects.
• Conduct appropriate data analysis, drafting research reports and presenting findings in clear, logical formats.
• Support ethics applications and ensure ethical, safe and GDPR-compliant management of all data.

Administration, Engagement & Collaboration

• Provide administrative coordination for research projects, research events, meetings and promotional activity.
• Support the School’s development of collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the effective promotion of research and enterprise activity across LBS.
• Carry out any additional duties within the remit of Grade 5 to support research and enterprise functions.

About You

You will bring strong research skills, excellent organisational abilities and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues across the School. You will be confident communicating with internal and external partners and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• A relevant postgraduate (and/or research) degree in Business, Management or a closely related field.
• Experience coordinating teams, organising seminars/workshops and presenting outputs clearly.
• Experience of collecting and analysing data as part of research or consultancy projects.
• Ability to manage data responsibly and write fluently in an academic style.

Key Performance Attributes

• Strong planning and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise work logically and effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, demonstrating professionalism at all times.
• Creativity and innovation in generating ideas, solving problems and supporting research development.

Why Join Us?

Leeds Business School is a dynamic and inclusive community committed to impactful, practice-oriented research that addresses real-world challenges. You will be joining a friendly and supportive environment where your work will directly contribute to shaping our research culture and maximising our impact in the next REF cycle.

We offer:

• A vibrant City Campus location in the Rose Bowl.
• Flexible working practices.
• 28 days annual leave (plus service-related increases), plus bank holidays.
• Access to a range of staff benefits and development opportunities.
• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in research that makes a difference.

Additional Information

• Contract: Fixed term for 2 years.
• Hours: 37.5 per week
• This role requires an enhanced criminal record check
• Location: Rose Bowl, City Campus (with flexible options).

Working here means you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities and a lot more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.

Leeds Beckett University is a Disability Confident Employer. Disabled candidates who demonstrate all essential criteria within the Person Specification will be invited to an interview.