The six roles are split across nine REF UoAs and based at different campuses, all role holders will be able to spend some time working from home if desired:

Role 1 – Computer Science (UoA11) and Mathematical Sciences (UoA10) (primarily based at University Park and Jubilee campuses)

Role 2 – Chemistry (UoA8) and Physics (UoA9) (primarily based at the University Park campus)

Role 3 – Agriculture, food and Veterinary Sciences (UoA6) (primarily based at the Sutton Bonington campus with regular meetings at the University Park campus)  

Role 4 – Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience (UoA4) and Biological Sciences (UoA5) (primarily based at the University Park campus and Queens Medical Centre)

Role 5 – Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing & Pharmacy (UoA3) and Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care (UoA2) (primarily based at the University Park campus and Queens Medical Centre)

Role 6 – Clinical Medicine (UoA1) and Sports Sciences (UoA24) (primarily based at the Queens Medical Centre) 

As a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Impact Officer you will:

• Work with impact case study authors to develop and enhance potential impact case studies for submission to REF2029.  This will involve developing a narrative, gathering and storing evidence to support case studies and liaising with external bodies as required.
• Provide expertise to UoAs on REF impact case study eligibility and development.
• Develop best practice in terms of Impact Case Study identification, development and write up.
• Support periodic reviews of progress for REF2029 ensuring records are kept securely and up to date.
• Liaise with colleagues from other UoAs to identify and support cross UoA case studies.

And you will bring:

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage with staff at all levels and to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities including an ability to research information sources 
• The ability to work independently and use own initiative and judgement 
• The ability to prioritise individual elements of a programme whilst working under pressure, achieving targets and responding quickly and flexibly to changing demands and new opportunities.

Awareness of the Research Excellence Framework and how Impact and Engagement relate to research, alongside the ability to work calmly under pressure, against tight deadlines whilst paying close attention to detail are essential. Experience working in Higher Education and supporting the operational aspects of a national research assessment submission would be beneficial but not essential. 

We welcome applications from people who will enhance the diversity of our teams. The University is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in higher education.

These are fixed term (until 31 December 2028), full time posts (36.25 hours per week).

Previous applicants in the last 6 months need not apply.

Please contact Sophie Richardson (Sophie.richardson@nottingham.ac.uk) to discuss roles 1,2 or 3 or Alison Riding (Alison.riding@nottingham.ac.uk) to discuss roles 4, 5 or 6. If you wish to discuss all the roles please contact Sophie and Alison. Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 24 May 2026
Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)

Subject Area: Plant & Crop Science

Research Title: Root oxygen dynamics and development

The student will be part of a multidisciplinary effort to investigate the anatomical, physical and cellular factors that shape internal root environments. The project will explore how root organisation and environmental conditions combine to influence oxygen availability, and how these internal conditions vary across space and time. Depending on the student’s interests and skills, the project may involve a combination of:
 • Experimental studies using model plant species to examine root oxygen status under contrasting environmental conditions.
 • Application of imaging- and sensor-based approaches to visualise and quantify oxygen dynamics in roots and their surrounding environment.
 • Analysis of how root tissue organisation and cellular connectivity influence internal microenvironments.
 • Integration of experimental observations with quantitative or computational frameworks, developed in collaboration with partners with modelling expertise.
 This PhD offers the opportunity to work at the interface of plant physiology, root biology, imaging and quantitative analysis. The student’s work will provide key conceptual and experimental foundations that support other strands of the BreathingUnderground project, while allowing scope to develop independent questions within the broader theme.

Award Start Date: 01/10/2026

Duration of Award: 48 months

This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.

Applicant Qualification Requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated, curious and keen to develop expertise at the interface of plant biology and quantitative analysis. Candidates should a Master’s degree, in Plant Science, Biology or a closely related discipline.
Experience or interest in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous (full training will be provided as required):
 • Plant physiology, root biology or plant–environment interactions.
 • Experimental approaches to studying internal plant environments or spatially structured biological processes.
 • Imaging, sensor-based measurements or quantitative data analysis.
 • Basic computational or programming skills, or a willingness to engage with modelling and data-driven approaches.
 Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to rigorous and reproducible science are essential.

Previous applicants need not apply.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to get in touch to discuss the project and their suitability. Informal enquiries may be addressed to vinay.shukla@nottingham.ac.uk. Applications should be submitted by emailing a detailed CV and cover letter to vinay.shukla@nottingham.ac.uk by the stated closing date.
 A complete application should include:
 A detailed CV, clearly outlining academic background, research experience and technical skills. Applicants are encouraged to highlight:
 o Relevant coursework, research projects, or thesis work.
 o Experience with experimental plant biology, physiology, imaging, sensors, or quantitative analysis (where applicable).
 o Any computational, data analysis or programming experience, including software or languages used.
 o Publications, preprints, conference presentations or posters (if available).
 o Names and contact details of two academic referees.
 A cover letter (typically 1–2 pages) explaining:
 o Motivation for applying to this PhD project.
 o Relevant experience and skills, and how these align with the project.
 o Research interests and career aspirations.
 o Why you are interested in working within the BreathingUnderground programme and at the University of Nottingham.

 Keyword Search
Root biology, oxygen dynamics, hypoxia, plant physiology, root development, imaging and biosensors, quantitative analysis, plant–environment interactions

Closing Date: 13 May 2026
Category: Studentships