Research Grants Manager (Maternity Cover Minimum 12 Months) (10388) in Harwell

We are looking to appoint an experienced Research Grants Manager to provide comprehensive support in the operational management of research applications, from proposal development to approval and project submission, through to implementation, delivery and evaluation. As the Research Grants Manager, you will work in close partnership with internal colleagues ensuring integrated support across the life cycle of a research project, with a particular focus on the pre-award application stage. This is a high‑profile role that will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the implementation of our strategic goals – to deliver world‑class science, build a legacy to be proud of, and secure our future success.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills, who is committed, and results driven. You will proactively engage with our multidisciplinary research teams to support the development of competitive research applications for a wide variety of external funding sources, adding value through provision of high‑quality support and specialist advice. Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs. We are open to consider candidates who would like to join us on a secondment basis to expand their knowledge and join a highly collaborative, vibrant, and professional team.

• Being the point of contact for Franklin scientists wishing to apply for external research funding, providing professional advice with respect to the research application process (including costing, funder specific terms & conditions, and aspects of research contracts & due diligence).
• Working closely with our scientists to support them with the preparation and submission of competitive research applications, contributing to proposal content as appropriate and providing guidance to ensure compliance with funder requirements and policies.
• Communicating and liaising with Operational team members during the research application process as required.
• Ensuring research applications adhere to our institutional policies and, where necessary, coordinating internal review processes prior to submission.
• Helping to bring shape and clarity to complex, multi‑partner applications being led by the Franklin, providing project management support to help the partners work effectively towards funder requirements and deadlines.
• Establishing close working relationships with Franklin staff, and pro‑actively developing a network of external professional contacts including higher education institutions, funding agencies and charitable organisations.
• Leading on the handover process for successful applications, working in partnership with Operational team colleagues, to ensure efficient project implementation and timely initiation of contract, recruitment and procurement processes as required.
• Reviewing and providing input to our Contracts Manager on negotiations for grant and grant‑related agreements.
• Supporting grant Principal Investigators in setting up and managing projects generally to enable coherence with funder terms, including ongoing grant maintenance.
• Contributing to evaluation reporting and getting key metrics on progress for internal and external purposes, providing reports, and keeping up to date regarding funder strategies and escalating matters as required.
• Participating in horizon scanning of applicable funding opportunities and disseminating information to our scientists.
• Maintaining up to date grant records in the grants management system (Worktribe) and any other databases used.

In Return We Offer:

• 25 days holidays plus bank holidays and Christmas holiday shutdown
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Group Life Assurance (also known as Group Life Insurance or Death in Service)
• Hub building with state‑of‑the‑art laboratories
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme and good transport links to Oxford and surrounding areas
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to employee discount platform (Perkbox)
• Occupational Health and wellbeing support including Employee Assistance (24/7 support and counselling)
• Health Cash Plan
• Subsidised canteen and food outlets on campus
• Free on‑site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff

The Franklin’s underlying aim is to produce the best science for research today, and this means resolutely embracing a diverse team, who have a wide range of experiences, skills and knowledge to push forward on the innovative work our institution delivers. Both our work and our institution are better for it.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every applicant has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and abilities. This includes making adjustments for candidates with specific needs. Please contact us at recruitment@rfi.ac.uk to discuss your requirements confidentially.

To be considered for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter explaining why you think you are the right person for this job. Please include information about your education and work experience.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 15th February 2026. Interviews are planned to take place w/c 23rd February 2026.