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- Tasks: Support academic staff in securing research funding and managing grant applications.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Durham University, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research projects while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in project management or research support.
- Other info: Exciting new office space designed for collaboration and hybrid working.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Research Operations Team is part of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) and provides comprehensive support to academic and PSS colleagues across the lifecycle of a research project. The team comprises pre- and post-award services, contracting and consultancy support. Support includes tailored financial and contractual advice and management to all researchers at Durham, from planning, costing, and pricing the initial proposal to ensuring that contracts and agreements are negotiated effectively and efficiently, to ensuring robust financial management and compliance of awarded projects. Research Operations works alongside the various teams which make up the Research and Innovation Services and in partnership with Professional Support colleagues across the University to help facilitate research-related planning, reporting and development and to meet the needs of both the individual researcher and the wider institution.
As a Research Grants and Contracts Manager (RGCM) within the pre-award team, you will play a key role in supporting and developing externally funded research grant activity by providing high quality support and advice to academic staff in the preparation, submission and contractual negotiation of research grants and awards. You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team of RGCMs based in the central office but will also be expected to spend time in the academic departments you support, to provide a key link role between the academic community and RIS.
The RGCM will be a key point of contact for an academic wishing to apply for external research funding and will provide support and expert advice in a number of essential activities including:
- Project managing the submission process of the bid (including responsibility for budget development and seeking internal approvals).
- Working closely with the Research Development team on strategic funding opportunities.
- Lay reviewing applications for regulatory and funder compliance.
- Ensuring timely acceptance of successful awards including contract negotiation and ensuring all ethical and due diligence checks are completed.
- Working closely with post-award and contracting colleagues to ensure accurate project information is captured and shared in a central project management system.
- Delivering training and information events.
It is essential that the RGCM 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. The ability to work across a number of concurrent projects at different stages of development is essential. 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.
Dependent on experience, the successful applicant may need to work on site for the majority of the time for the first three months. 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.
Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.
Research Grants and Contracts Manager - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Grants and Contracts Manager - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Durham, especially those in the Research Operations Team. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just help you stand out when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in research funding and compliance. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've managed multiple projects or deadlines. We love to hear about your proactive problem-solving approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Durham.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grants and Contracts Manager - Durham
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 Grants and Contracts Manager. We want to see how you can contribute to our team at Durham!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires a high level of organisation, be sure to provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. We love a proactive problem-solver!
Communicate Clearly: As a confident communicator, your written application should reflect clarity and professionalism. Use straightforward language and ensure your points are easy to follow. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships!
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 keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our vibrant team at Boldon House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of research grants and contracts. Familiarise yourself with the specific funding bodies relevant to Durham and their requirements. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely invested in supporting the academic community.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires managing multiple projects, be ready to discuss your organisational strategies. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed competing deadlines or complex tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the busy workload expected in this position.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a key point of contact, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask during the interview to show your engagement and interest in collaboration with various teams.
✨Be Proactive in Problem-Solving
Think of examples where you've tackled challenges head-on. Whether it was negotiating a contract or resolving an issue during a project, being able to illustrate your proactive approach will resonate well with the interviewers. They’ll want to see that you can think on your feet and find solutions efficiently.
