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- Tasks: Support academic staff in securing research grants and managing contracts.
- Company: Durham University, a leading institution in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Permanent part-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in project management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and connect with the academic community.
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.
Research Grants and Contracts Manager in North East employer: Euraxess
Contact Detail:
Euraxess Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Grants and Contracts Manager in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Durham University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Research Grants and Contracts Managers. We recommend practising your answers with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've managed multiple projects or deadlines in the past. This will demonstrate you're the perfect fit for the busy workload!
✨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 keen to join our team directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grants and Contracts Manager in North East
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 University!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since this role requires a high level of organisation, be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or tasks in the past. We love seeing those pro-active problem-solving skills in action!
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 so we can easily understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives us all the info we need to consider you for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Research Grants Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the types of research grants and contracts relevant to Durham University. Familiarise yourself with their processes, key funding bodies, and any recent projects they’ve undertaken. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Research Grants and Contracts Manager, being organised is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects or deadlines. Highlight how you prioritised tasks and ensured compliance with regulations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to form close working relationships with various teams, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your communication skills and teamwork experiences.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Research Operations Team and their current challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Ask about their approach to supporting researchers and how they measure success in grant management.