Science & Research Jobs in Durham, United Kingdom (Now Hiring) — 6 open

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. 

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. 

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

Northern Accelerator is an ambitious collaborative initiative between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside Universities. Northern Accelerator delivers a range of support that accelerates and enhances commercialisation (specifically including spinouts) and knowledge exchange outcomes, based on research conducted within the partner universities.

This postholder will lead, coordinate and ensure the compliant delivery of Northern Accelerator activity. This will include academic entrepreneurship training, proof of concept support and exec into business support, pairing experienced entrepreneurs with potential founding academics.

Since 2018, the five North East universities have worked increasingly closely to build a strong collaboration to commercialise our research through the creation of high-growth businesses. Since launching the Northern Accelerator programme, 65 spinouts have been created, catalysing new investment and jobs in North East England.

Northern Accelerator’s core support offer includes enterprise training for academic founders, pre-incorporation funding to take research projects closer to commercialisation, and our flagship Executives into Business programme which recruits experienced business leaders to form management teams for upcoming spinout companies. This core offer is currently funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority until 31st March 2027.

Northern Accelerator’s brand also encompasses the Strategic Commercialisation Eco-system North East (SCENE) programme, and together the projects represent an exciting phase in our regional collaboration, strengthening our support for the spinout process, and building new services and activities to extend successful research commercialisation in new areas, such as licensing and commercial partnerships.

Underpinning these propositions is the creation and development of a structured and connected ecosystem around University research commercialisation, drawing together partnerships with business, investors and institutions to drive a sustainable step-change in our impact.

Northern Accelerator is led by Durham University in partnership with Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside – who come together through Universities for North East England (UNEE).

We are seeking a skilled, creative and experienced Marketing and Communications Officer who can provide excellent communications and events support for Northern Accelerator. The postholder will also work with the programme team to support the  commercialisation eco-system with a programme of excellent internal communications activity. The postholder will work closely with the Northern Accelerator and SCENE project teams, side-by-side with the Marketing Officer for SCENE. Internally our projects are separately funded, but externally you will support a strong cohesive Northern Accelerator brand across all activity.

Northern Accelerator is an ambitious project strong aims and multiple partners and the role of communications will be key in ensuring the visibility of the various aspects of the programme and maintaining a strong sense of common endeavour.

Ideally, the postholder will have a good understanding of innovation and commercialisation purposes and mechanisms and be able to work flexibly and collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to design and ensure delivery of effective communication plans. They will also need to understand the purpose of our national and regional funders in allocating the resource, in order to maintain alignment of Northern Accelerator communications activity with the economic plans in the North East and national commercialisation objectives.

The main duties of the post will be:

Working with the Head of Regional programmes, Programme Manager and other team members, design and ensure a strong and visible communications and events plan to support the effective delivery of the Northern Accelerator programme.

Co-ordinate internal communications activity between the University partners and the wider network of Strategic partners to underpin the success of the commercialisation ecosystem.

Work closely with the wider network of Communications staff to ensure there are complementary communication activities across, Northern Accelerator, the SCENE programme, the Commercialisation and Spinout Fund, and any other projects which re-enforce their brands and demonstrate the collaboration between North East universities.

Provide support, advice, information, presentations and guidance to University staff regarding the communications activities within the project, including ensuring compliance with the expectations of partners and funders with respect of use of logos and other corporate or programme identities and to be the focal point for communications across the University and strategic partners.

Monitor communications activities against a key set of metrics and make proposals for improvement

The postholder will sit within Durham University’s Research and Innovation Services (RIS) team, accountable to the Head of Regional Programmes.

RIS is a professional services directorate at the heart of Durham University which provides expertise, leadership and support to academics and professional colleagues across the University for all research, research-related, knowledge exchange and economic development activities and aims to strengthen their University’s role at the leading-edge of research and innovation, inspiring change across the world and in our region. 

Working at Durham  

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

•    You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. 

•    We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

•    We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

•    We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

•    Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

•    Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

•    We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

•    You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

•  Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. 

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification  
  
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.    
  
Your application should cover the following criteria:  

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1.     Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.

2. Professional experience in the coordination of communications and event activities.

3.     Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of external and internal communications plans and services.

4.     Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of key stakeholders, customers and colleagues.   

5.     Experience of implementing communications policies and procedures for example in the management of brands.

6. Experience in the organisation of meetings and events of different sizes and purposes, equivalent to strategic meetings, conferences and showcases.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

7.     Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

8.     Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including [digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems].

9. .    An understanding of the role of universities in the economy and the purpose of knowledge exchange or commercialisation activity

10. The ability to prepare content for print and online publications and to curate websites

11.     Committed to continuing professional development.

12.     Ability to plan and organise events, conferences and engagement programmes involving the Team and wider network of partners

13. An understanding of the key outcomes and outputs of good communications and the ability to monitor and improve performance

14.     Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.

15.  Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.

Desirable Criteria

16.  A professional qualification in a communication(s) related discipline.

17.  Experience working in a professional role in the start-up or innovation ecosystem

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails 
 
What you are required to submit:

•    A CV 

•    A supporting statement of no more than four pages which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

 

Contact details 
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Jordan Byers (Northern Accelerator Senior Manager)  would be happy to speak to you. [email protected]

Typical Role Requirements  

Service Delivery

·       Contribute to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.

·       Ensure that the University’s procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service provided and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.

·       Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible. 

·       Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role such as internal or external communications and the development of events and make recommendations based on your findings.

·       Manage, maintain and monitor communications metrics and compliance to ensure the focus and direction of the programme

·       Provide the best possible service to key stakeholders, partners and staff by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.

·       Collect and record data and information accurately.

·       Organise and analyse data and statistics to ensure it is accurate and provide reports to senior colleagues.

·       Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and information.

Planning and Organising

·       Plan and organise your workload to deliver the role.

·       Plan, manage and deliver assigned projects, activities and events in accordance with agreed objectives.

·       Supervise the work of staff, contractors and teams involved in delivering [events, project work or core operational service].

·       Seek feedback from key stakeholders, management and partners to ensure that the service is updated to meet customer expectations.

·       Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services, and provide related advice and guidance to other staff.

Communication/Liaison

·       Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.

·       Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.

·       Build relationships with partners, stakeholders and university teams to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.

·       Any other reasonable duties.

 Useful Links:

Helping Business - Durham University

Home - Northern Accelerator

Universities for North East England - Durham University

£30 million to grow regional research commercialisation ecosystems – UKRI

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.