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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in managing pre-award research grants and contracts, ensuring compliance and effective project management.
- Company: Join a dynamic Research and Innovation Services team at a leading university.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant office environment.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Step into a management role and make a real impact on research funding and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in research funding and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
Senior Pre Award Research Manager - Durham in Darras Hall 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 Darras Hall
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do at Boldon House.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pre Award Research Manager - Durham in Darras Hall
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. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires a high level of organisation and attention to detail, give us examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects or workloads in the past. We love a good story about problem-solving too!
Communicate Clearly: As a confident communicator, it’s important to convey your ideas clearly in your written application. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships across teams!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
As this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your management style and experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully developed staff or improved processes. Highlighting your ability to manage workloads effectively will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle complex bids and compliance issues. Practice articulating how you would approach these situations, focusing on your organisational skills and attention to detail. This will help you convey your capability to manage a busy workload.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since communication is key in this role, aim to build a connection with your interviewers. Be friendly, engage in conversation, and ask insightful questions about the team and their projects. This will showcase your confidence and ability to form close working relationships.