Senior Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager in London

About the Opportunity

Location: Remote working and London-based (as per business requirements)

Term: Permanent, full-time

Salary: £60,000 per annum

Benefits: Benefits package including 25 days holiday allowance pro rata (excl. bank holidays), group life assurance, group income protection, pension schemes and private healthcare

Reports to: Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services

Line Management Responsibilities: 1 x Research Administrative Assistant

Start: ASAP

The role:

Do you have experience of working in research and knowledge exchange development and support within a university? Are you looking for a flexible position with the option of remote working (with on-site working when required)? Northeastern University London (NU London) is seeking a Senior Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager to play a central role in the University’s growing research enterprise. Working closely with the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, the postholder will lead on research and knowledge exchange funding development, guiding academics through all aspects of proposal development from initial concept through to submission.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in pre-award research development within a UK university, with the expertise to advise on every dimension of a research proposal. They will be comfortable working across the full research lifecycle and will act as the primary point of contact for research and knowledge exchange matters when the Director is unavailable.

This is a small, collaborative team in which individuals genuinely shape how things are done. NU London offers the opportunity to be part of an institution at a pivotal stage of growth, combining the agility of a start-up with the resources, networks, and global reach of a major international university.

Key responsibilities:

• Work closely with academics to advise on all aspects of research proposals, including strategic fit, scheme eligibility, structure and coherence, budget development, ethical and regulatory considerations, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Lead on the development and submission of research and knowledge exchange funding applications, from initial concept through to institutional approval and submission.
• Develop and maintain insight into UK and international funders (UKRI, Horizon Europe, charities, government departments), mapping opportunities to NUL’s strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with funding bodies, external partners, and collaborating institutions.
• Lead training and capacity-building activities, including grant-writing workshops and funder briefings.
• Support researchers in applying for internal Northeastern funding schemes.
• In the Director’s absence, act as the primary point of contact for research and knowledge exchange matters across the University.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties within postholder competence as requested by the Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Essential)
• Master’s and/or PhD (Desirable)

Selection Criteria:

• Substantial experience in research development within a UK university, including knowledge of UKRI, Horizon Europe, and other major funding sources.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating complex funding applications, with the ability to improve proposal quality through critical review across all aspects of a submission.
• Ability to advise confidently on the full range of pre-award considerations, including funder compliance, research integrity, data management, and budget justification.
• Ability to identify and develop strategic funding opportunities aligned to institutional priorities.
• Experience of building external partnerships with universities, industry, charities, public sector, or international collaborations.
• Knowledge of REF, KEF, research culture, Trusted Research and current UK policy developments.
• Excellent numeracy and experience of full economic costing of research proposals.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with proven experience of engaging stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
• High self-motivation, proactivity, and organisational capacity.

Desirable:

• Experience of developing or contributing to institutional research policies or governance documentation.
• Understanding of key contractual elements in research and knowledge exchange agreements, including intellectual property.
• Line management experience.

Application Process:

Interviews are expected to commence on the week beginning on the 29th June 2026. Please ensure that your application includes a CV and a covering letter. Applicants should address the selection criteria and indicate how their background and expertise align with the job role. You may use bullet points if you wish. Candidates are welcome to make informal enquiries. Please email Alice Caryer: alice.caryer@nulondon.ac.uk

Additional Information:

About the University: Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces. Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29.

Choose NU London: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us, and our offerings encompass: 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays (normally 2 days between Christmas and New Year). Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities. Support with private medical insurance. Eye test reimbursement. Cycle Scheme vouchers. 24/7 employee assistance/ support via our Employee Assistance Programme. Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to: Alice Caryer. They can be reached at the following: a.caryer@northeastern.edu. However, all applications must be made in accordance with the application process specified.

Application process: Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date (if applicable). Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a covering letter of no more than one page that addresses the criteria for the role and a full curriculum vitae. The panel will be shortlisting for this position on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this post before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. Please note all employees of Northeastern University London are required to undergo at least a basic DBS check. Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of our students and staff, and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and Ofsted requirements. You must adhere to the above if you are offered a role with NU London.

For staff’s own wellbeing, for part time roles, the expectation is if you have multiple roles, they should not exceed full time (37.5 hours per week), and for full time roles, the expectation is that this will be your only role (apart from intermittent roles). Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone. We welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, including the Global Majority. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.