Head of University Insight

Position Details

Research England
Salary: £58,589 | UKRI Band F | Closing date: 19th July 2026
Contract Type:
Fixed-term contract (6 months)
Hours:
Full-time
Location:
Westward House, Lime Kiln Close, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8SR

Help shape the future of research and innovation in England.

At Research England, we work at the heart of England's research and higher education system. By funding, engaging with, and understanding higher education providers, we create the conditions for world-class research and knowledge exchange to thrive.

This key role in the Research England Insight and Engagement Team involves a deep understanding of the research and innovation system in higher education, including university operations, governance, finances and the political and policy environment. You will develop innovative approaches to defining, measuring and analysing the health of the research and innovation system in England, turning quantitative and qualitative evidence into actionable insights for Research England, UKRI and external partners such as government.

• Develop and maintain an authoritative knowledge of higher education and fiscal policy affecting research and innovation.
• Lead the identification of information needs and activities to build a nuanced understanding of the research and innovation system.
• Interpret analysis and distil key points for diverse audiences.
• Lead on policy and methods for defining, assessing and monitoring the health of the university sector.
• Support senior colleagues in developing recommendations that balance evidence with institutional burden.
• Give presentations and lead discussions at external meetings on higher‑education evidence and policy.
• Build relationships with university institutions and sector bodies, communicating policy decisions and answering queries.
• Contribute briefings and advice to Government/DSIT and senior staff at Research England and UKRI.
• Act as the main contact for sector queries concerning the health of the university sector.
• Provide line management for one or more Policy or Senior Policy Advisors.
• Assess, use and present complex quantitative evidence in policy development.
• Contribute to design and delivery of new data and evidence, including work with partners such as DSIT, DfE, the Office for Students and devolved funding bodies.
• Assist with evidence analysis to inform research, evaluation and monitoring of funding policy, including external work and formula funding.
• Manage and develop effective relations with universities and other bodies, representing Research England and UKRI at external meetings.
• Produce Relevant Council and Committee papers and other documents.

• Excellent analytical skills across quantitative and qualitative datasets, including mixed‑method approaches. (S&I)
• Ability to transform evidence into diverse outputs for multiple audiences. (S&I)
• Strong understanding of the research, innovation, and knowledge‑exchange system in higher education. (S)
• Effective collaboration with others at all levels, including technical analysts. (S&I)
• Authority in research and knowledge‑exchange evidence, identifying policy solutions and communicating them effectively. (S&I)
• An excellent communicator:
  • Communicates complex subjects verbally and in writing, clearly and concisely. (S&I)
  • Demonstrates effective stakeholder engagement, representing Research England and UKRI. (S&I)
• Flexibility to contribute fully within a team with complex workloads. (S)
• Proactive problem‑solving within challenging deadlines. (S&I)
• Experience in project management and line management. (S&I)
• Experience with principles of data architecture design. (S)
• Understanding of economic theory for application to research evaluation and spending review. (S)

UKRI provides a benefits package designed for an excellent work/life balance: 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privileged holidays, flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme, social and sporting activities, societies and a subsidised restaurant.