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 involves working closely with the Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Services to 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.

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

Essential:

• 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.

Candidates are welcome to make informal enquiries. Please email Alice Caryer.

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. NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences.

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.

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.