Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing pre-award research grants and contracts, ensuring compliance and effective proposal development.
- Company: Join a dynamic university environment focused on research innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant office space.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative team.
- Why this job: Step into a management role and make a real impact in the research funding landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in research funding and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Role and Department
Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides guidance, expert advice and hands‑on support for all aspects of research and research‑related activity, including securing funding, working with partners, supporting knowledge exchange and impact, commercialisation, and ensuring good research practice.
The Research Operations Team, which is the largest team within the Directorate, provides comprehensive support to academic and Professional Support Services (PSS) colleagues across the full lifecycle of a research project. The team delivers pre‑award, contracting, post‑award and consultancy support. This includes tailored financial and contractual advice from the earliest stages of planning, costing and pricing proposals through to efficient contract negotiation and robust financial management and compliance for awarded projects.
This is a key management position within the Research Operations Team. The post holder will lead a team of approximately six Pre‑Award Research Grants and Contracts Managers, playing an essential role in staff development and training, acting as a point of escalation, and reviewing and implementing key business processes. A thorough understanding of the UK HEI research funding landscape is essential.
The post holder will also have responsibility for working alongside academic staff, project managing the preparation and submission of large complex bids by contributing to the proposal development, providing costings, and providing specialist advice on funder eligibility criteria whilst ensuring compliance with university policy.
Reporting to the Head of Research Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team. The role will work closely alongside another Senior Pre‑Award Research Manager to ensure consistent leadership, effective workload management, and a coordinated, high‑quality pre‑award service across the institution.
It is essential that the post holder is highly organised, pays close attention to detail, and has a pro-active approach to problem-solving. The capability to prioritise and manage a busy and varied workload is crucial. A confident communicator, you will form close working relationships with the other members of the Operations Team, Research Development Team, Faculty Officials, Heads of Department, Directors of Research, Department Managers and other members of Professional Support Staff.
This presents an exciting opportunity for someone who is looking to move into a management role.
The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working.
Subject to business need, the working pattern can be arranged to suit the successful applicant. Dependent on experience, the successful applicant may need to work on campus for the majority of the time for the first three months.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Senior Pre Award Research Manager - Durham in Bishopton employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pre Award Research Manager - Durham in Bishopton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the research and innovation field. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent funding successes and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the role of Senior Pre Award Research Manager. Highlight your management experience and your understanding of the UK HEI research funding landscape to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and submit your application today!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pre Award Research Manager - Durham in Bishopton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in pre-award research management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills and attention to detail. We want to see how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past, so share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
Be a Confident Communicator: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, it's important to convey your communication skills. Mention any experiences where you've built strong relationships or led a team effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our vibrant office environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Research Funding Landscape
Make sure you brush up on the UK HEI research funding landscape before your interview. Familiarise yourself with key funders, their eligibility criteria, and recent trends in funding. This will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As this is a management position, be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams. Think of specific examples where you've developed staff or improved processes. Highlight your ability to manage workloads effectively and how you foster collaboration within a team.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving. Prepare to share instances where you've tackled complex issues, particularly in pre-award processes. Discuss your thought process and how you arrived at solutions, as this will illustrate your critical thinking skills.
✨Communicate Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to engage with various stakeholders, from academic staff to department heads. Show that you can build strong working relationships and convey complex information in an understandable way.