At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research grant development and manage awarded projects with a focus on funding advice.
- Company: Join The Open University’s vibrant Research and Innovation Services team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting high-quality research bids and projects.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills, with project management experience.
- Other info: Engage with academics and global funding bodies in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.
As a Manager within Research and Innovation Services, you will support research grant development and the management of awarded projects, providing strong funding advice to meet The Open University’s research ambitions. This exciting role will be part of a new vibrant cross-university RKE Operations team, whose primary aim is to support the development of high-quality bids and administration of awards to grow research income and ensure successful and compliant delivery.
Specifically, you will support the development of research and knowledge exchange (RKE) funding applications to a wide range of statutory and philanthropic funders, and of RKE awards. You will develop and share strong funder knowledge through communities of practice, build research capacities, and be a liaison point for a Faculty. You will contribute to the identification, dissemination, and implementation of good practice in research bid development and administration. You will interact with academics, professional service colleagues, and UK-based and global funding bodies, partners and collaborators to deliver high-quality pre- and post-award research support.
We are looking for someone with strong organisational, communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills, with openness to learning, and the ability to work flexibly and to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. You will bring directly relevant operational, administrative and project management knowledge and experience (including in budgeting/budget management), that will enable you to identify funding opportunities, understand the research funding environment, develop high-quality research funding applications, and manage approved projects with attention to detail and to fast-evolving funder priorities and requirements.
Closing date for applications: 11th February 2026.
Research Managers in Milton Keynes employer: Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Managers in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the research community. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, highlight your organisational and project management skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or developed funding applications in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you’re interested in, like The Open University, and express your interest in potential roles. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, so make sure you check it out regularly. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Research Manager, and don’t forget to follow up after applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Managers in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Research Manager. We want to see how you can support research grant development and manage projects effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to mention any direct experience you have with research funding applications or project management. We love seeing candidates who understand the funding environment and can develop high-quality bids.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Association Of Research Managers And Administrators (ARMA) Ltd.
✨Know Your Research Funding Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current research funding environment. Familiarise yourself with various statutory and philanthropic funders relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in supporting The Open University’s research ambitions.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing projects, especially in terms of budgeting and administration. Prepare specific examples where you successfully navigated multiple priorities and deadlines. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to handle the fast-evolving nature of research funding.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, as you’ll need to interact with academics and funding bodies alike. Consider preparing a few questions to ask during the interview to showcase your engagement and communication skills.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
This position involves liaising with various stakeholders, so highlight your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams or built communities of practice in previous roles. This will illustrate your ability to work flexibly and effectively within a cross-university team.