Grant support officer in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

Would you like to support world-leading engineers apply for grant funding? We have an opportunity for a Grant Support Officer to join our Grants Team at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). As a Grant Support Officer, you will assist with the submission of funding proposals, and support the administrative requirements of the team. The role will allow you to further develop your understanding of the research funding landscape and develop essential grant writing skills.

The successful applicant will be educated to A-level standard (or equivalent) and will have experience of pre-award research grant administration, preferably in an academic institution. Strong organisational and team working skills are required, along with excellent communication skills and attention to detail. The ideal applicant would be someone who meets these criteria and intends to pursue a career in grant writing and research administration.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage the submission of grant applications, including advising and assisting with the completion of application documents and ensuring that approvals meet deadlines.
• Assist the team to develop and write grant proposals, writing sections, editing and proofreading.
• Oversee the effective maintenance of information and documentation for the Grants Team, tracking grant applications and outcomes, creating internal resources on funding opportunities.
• Research, collate, organise and edit material for inclusion in Grants Team reports, and for dissemination to senior staff.
• Work closely with internal departments to develop and refine robust systems.
• Manage the Grants Team shared inbox, triaging new emails and enquiries.
• Ensure Grants Team systems are maintained.
• Maintain external facing web pages for AMRC research active staff.
• Act as the day-to-day contact point for internal enquiries.
• Assist with the development and delivery of internal training courses for AMRC staff on specified topics, including organising workshops, information sessions and other events.
• Represent the AMRC as required at meetings, events and conferences.
• Rotate visits to AMRC sites in Wales and North West with other members of the Grants Team, including overnight stays.
• Administer all Grants Team invoices and costs through University of Sheffield internal systems, including credit card consolidation.
• Manage travel requirements for Grants Team Staff.
• Administer Ethics Applications for the AMRC.
• Must be comfortable working on projects related to Defence.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Criteria

• Educated to A level standard (or equivalent qualifications/experience).
• Experience with supporting the submission of funding proposals – eg., accurate, eligible costing information.
• Experience of supporting and advising collaborative projects on the administrative procedures for grant submissions, preferably in an academic environment.
• Experience of managing multiple conflicting priorities with strong time management and organisation skills, including the ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the Regional and National UK funding landscape, particularly in relation to AMRC research interests.
• Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances and working with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret funder guidance and financial data to support and feedback on draft grant applications and funder requirements.
• Ability to facilitate and organise activities and workshops in collaboration with senior colleagues.
• Strong administrative skills with experience of purchasing, organising travel, facilitating high level meetings and diary management.
• Ability to work proactively using own initiative and with minimum supervision.
• Proficiency with a range of office software, for example: Microsoft Office, Google Suite and CRM Systems (Salesforce).
• Willingness to frequently travel between UK sites and occasional EU travel (UK Drivers License required).

The selection process will consist of an interview and test, which is currently planned for 5th May 2026. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the closing date.