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- Tasks: Identify funding opportunities and develop impactful partnerships in research and innovation.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leader in higher education and research.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and competitive pay with great perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in research while collaborating across exciting disciplines.
- Qualifications: Experience in research or partnership development with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth and hybrid working options.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Research and Innovation Development Associates
Loughborough University is seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Research and Innovation Development Associates to join our Research and Innovation Office (RIO). This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the University’s strategy to grow research and innovation income and foster impactful collaborations across STEM or SHAPE disciplines.
About the Role
You will play a key role in identifying and developing funding and partnership opportunities, supporting knowledge exchange, and translating research into societal and economic impact. You’ll collaborate with academic colleagues, external partners, and professional services to deliver strategic research and innovation goals within one of our specialist hubs: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts).
Key Responsibilities
- Identify and profile funding and collaboration opportunities across public, private, and charitable sectors.
- Support the development of strategic partnerships and research proposals.
- Coordinate stakeholder engagement and facilitate cross-functional initiatives.
- Maintain oversight of research and innovation projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
- Organise and support events, funder visits, and training workshops.
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience in research, innovation, knowledge exchange, or partnership development.
- Strong communication and analytical skills.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work across disciplines.
This role is ideal for someone looking to develop a career in research and partnership development within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
For more information, refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification.
If you have any questions about this role, please contact rio.hr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk.
Working Arrangements
Loughborough University supports a flexible working approach, combining on-campus and remote work where possible. If successful, your line manager will discuss informal arrangements with you.
Apply
Please submit your application through our online portal. For application tips and guidance, please visit our website.
Closing date: midnight on 21st October 2025
Interviews will be held: week commencing 3rd November 2025
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive as part of our community. Examples include:
- Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme
- Where you work – facilities across our 523-acre campus and London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities
- Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and family-friendly policies
- Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to sporting facilities, healthcare offers, and wellbeing support
- Travel and sustainability – travel schemes to support sustainable commuting
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Research, Administrative, and Education
Industries
- Higher Education and Research Services
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
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Research and Innovation Development Associates x4 employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Innovation Development Associates x4
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Loughborough University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent projects and partnerships at the university. This shows our genuine interest and helps us connect our skills to their goals, making us a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our pitch! We should be ready to explain how our experience aligns with the role's responsibilities. Highlighting specific examples of past successes can really impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can find helpful tips and guidance there to make our submission even stronger.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Innovation Development Associates x4
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our research and innovation goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for research and innovation shine through in your application. We’re looking for proactive individuals, so share examples of your enthusiasm for collaboration and knowledge exchange!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our online portal! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into Loughborough University's research initiatives and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals in both STEM and SHAPE disciplines. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their objectives.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working across various disciplines, prepare examples of past collaborative projects. Highlight your ability to engage with different stakeholders and how you’ve successfully facilitated partnerships. This will demonstrate your fit for the collaborative mindset they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Brush up on current funding opportunities in the public, private, and charitable sectors relevant to research and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you would identify and develop these opportunities, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the Research and Innovation Office. Ask about their current projects or future goals. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your career aspirations.
