Centre Research Development Manager (Physical Science of Life)

The Centre Research Development Manager (Physical Science of Life) post is an exciting new position in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES). The successful candidate will work closely with the Directors of the newly formed  

Centre for the Physical Science of Life

, and be responsible for taking the lead on developing high quality research grant applications, including drafting non-scientific sections of the bids, which will underpin and expand the ambitious activities of the centre.  

The research grant applications this post will help develop and support will range in size and scope, including very large, multi-million pound bids with internal and external collaborators (including HEI’s, industry partners etc.), cover a variety of domestic and international funding bodies, and be led by academics across several disciplines, including Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.  

Other key functions will be providing high quality support and advice to academic staff, contributing to research strategy development, monitoring research performance, and strengthening relationships with funding bodies and external collaborators.  

This post would suit somebody who has experience of managing a large research grant or a Postdoctoral researcher who wishes to stay in science but step away from practical work and not be a primary investigator.  

The Centre Research Development Manager will report to the Head of Research Support. 

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract. 

This is a part-time post – 50% full time equivalent

• To assist in the development of bids by providing high quality and well considered help and support on drafting non-scientific sections.  
• To assist PIs in determining concept, gathering and formatting information, identification of appropriate funding bodies and schemes and supporting peer review. 
• Identify and bring together diverse groups of stakeholders to generate research and innovation projects for a range of funding bodies, coordinating the input of all collaborators. 
• To develop and maintain strong working relationships with external funding bodies, businesses, government, local academic and research staff, and internal and external collaborators. 
• To provide forward intelligence of new funding opportunities and funding themes by monitoring and identifying existing and emerging trends in the field. 
• To fully consider when and how impact can be appropriately incorporated into submissions, liaising with Faculty and College support where necessary. 
• To ensure internal and funder deadlines are met by establishing priorities and target dates for information gathering, writing, review and approval. 
• To attend Centre board meetings, providing updates, both written and oral, on research performance and contributing to research strategy discussions. 
• Work with the Faculty Research Support team on Faculty wide research initiatives. 
• To undertake continuous personal and professional development and any other duties that might be reasonably requested by the Centre Directors and the Head of Research Support. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria  

1.       PhD in a relevant subject area or other appropriate qualifications 

2.       Experience in developing high-quality research grant applications to a wide variety of funding bodies, including collating data and evidence for inclusion. 

3.       Strong understanding of the research funding landscape. 

4.       Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas with clarity. 

5.       Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills at all levels, with both internal/external stakeholders. 

6.       Familiarity with Higher Education administration. 

7.       Excellent organizational and time management skills, including a flexible approach to managing a constant and varied portfolio of requests; able to meet multiple fixed deadlines. 

8.       Able to think strategically and to contribute to strategic direction. 

9.       Able to work independently, proactively, and flexibly, using own judgement and initiative when appropriate. 

10.     Able to contribute effectively as part of a team with a ‘hand-on’ approach to working. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Postdoctoral level qualification in a relevant subject area. 

2.       Experience of drafting non-scientific sections of research grant applications 

3.       Experience of the scientific peer review process.