Project Manager Research and Innovation in London

UAL is a world‑leading creative institution with a strong research, innovation and knowledge exchange ecosystem. Its KE activity connects students, academics, industry and communities to co‑create solutions that drive positive social, economic and environmental impact. UAL's research and innovation capabilities span design, fashion, textiles, performance, fine art, communications, AI, bio‑design and immersive technologies, delivered through transdisciplinary collaborations rooted in social justice and sustainability.

We are now seeking a Research and Innovation Project Manager to play a crucial role in ensuring research, innovation, and knowledge exchange projects are compliant and deliver maximum value in terms of research outcomes, outputs, dissemination, impact, and follow-on activities. This position is part of UAL's EU Research and Innovation Funding team, part of the Research Management & Administration department, which supports University of the Arts London staff in identifying, developing, and managing external research and knowledge exchange funding. The team specialises in EU funding, aiding with proposal development, budgets, and compliance with funder terms.

As Research and Innovation Project Manager, you will provide support to academic staff across a portfolio of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange projects — ensuring that all proposals and projects are delivered to a high standard and in compliance with funder regulations and University policies, as well as maximising the value of these projects to the University. This includes identifying suitable funding opportunities, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and providing tailored guidance for the preparation and submission of high‑quality funding applications.

You will provide effective project management support for awards, ensuring consistent application of proven methodologies such as PRINCE2, PM², or Agile across a diverse portfolio of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange projects. You will need to maintain accurate and up to date information across UAL and funder systems, and prepare all required technical, monitoring, and financial reports. You will also advise and support academic staff throughout all project phases to maximise the value and impact of funded initiatives.

Your profile

• Demonstrable experience in managing the full lifecycle of research, knowledge exchange, and/or innovation funding proposals and funded projects is essential.
• Experience of effective financial and budget management.
• Proven experience in contracts management and negotiating IP arrangements across complex, multi‑partner projects is equally important.
• A recognised project management qualification (e.g., PM², PRINCE2, Agile) is desirable but not essential.

We are UAL. University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

As a University, we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That's why we are proud to hold a Bronze Award from the Race Equality Charter (REC), are members of the Business Disability Forum and Employers for Carers, and maintain our status as a Disability Confident Scheme and Living Wage employer.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours' notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page. Candidates are advised to submit applications early.