Research Manager

Hybrid role 1 -2 days in London Office. £36.97 Via Umbrella PAYE. 6 months (possible extension).

The Research Support Officer and Research Manager roles are key to the success and financial performance of the University by ensuring accurate and timely grant applications are submitted and that, when awarded, these are reviewed and set up efficiently and effectively to enable the research to start (in accordance with any internal and external requirements).

The role entails the provision of expert practical advice on all aspects of pricing and costing research activities, including choice of funder, terms and conditions of funding, overhead recovery and optimising the chances of success of a proposal. This advice is provided to researchers and administrators in order to guide departments on how to approach non-standard situations / complex funding calls, and in concert with the Research Contracts team as required.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Owning all research and innovation applications within the given portfolio and actively add value to the application process, including accurate completion of relevant documentation to support reporting requirements.
• Acting as the Institutional Authority (within the delegation framework) responsible for ensuring that the proposed activity does not pose reputational or financial risk, or where risk has been established, that this has been properly considered and mitigating measures agreed.
• Ensuring that the correct approval processes are adhered to, in line with agreed procedures and Service Standards, prior to final authorisation, ensuring that any additional internal approvals (for example, ethics, facilities use etc.) have been appropriately considered.
• Reviewing research and innovation proposals prepared by Academic Departments, using agreed systems and processes including Worktribe Research Management and the relevant funder portals, in keeping with any agreed Service Standards and in line with Funder expectations as to the presentation of the proposal and associated costs.
• Reviewing proposal Risk Assessments to identify potential risk and to ensure identified risks have been appropriately considered, with approvals obtained.
• Assist PIs and Departmental Administrative staff in ensuring all eligible direct and indirect costs have been included in the final approved Worktribe proposal, and under the appropriate cost headings, in line with current costing guidelines and with the Funder terms and conditions.
• Provide a high level of support/assistance through the preparation of research and innovation proposals for large and/or strategic bids.
• Attend internal and external meetings as required to support proposal development activity.
• Keep accurate and up-to-date project data and ensure data is reported appropriately.
• Reviewing new funders’ terms and conditions, keeping up to date with changes to existing funders’ terms and conditions and assisting in the dissemination of new information to the appropriate sections within Research and Innovation Services and Academic Departments (in consultation with Research Contracts as appropriate).
• Liaising with external funders and collaborators where required to resolve queries.
• Working closely with colleagues in the Research and Innovation Support Transformer (RIST) to support systems changes and new ways of working to support the expanded service offering.
• Working closely with colleagues across Award Services and Research and Innovation Services. Ensuring UCL academic departments experience a unified approach to supporting their research proposals and awards.
• Support the creation of guidance materials aimed at both academic and professional services staff.
• Supporting the activation of awards with funders (acceptance documents) in co-operation with the Department to meet the acceptance deadline set in the offer document.
• Liaising with the PI of successful bids to document any compliance and governance requirements.
• Ensuring that project award codes are allocated and notified to Departments in a timely manner and in accordance with agreed service standards.
• Executing contract amendments with funders including transfers and extensions. In conjunction with other members of the team, vetting and negotiating Consortium Agreements for EC funded awards.
• Draft and negotiate EC project contracts including subcontracts, third party agreements, secondment agreements, partnership agreements, and non-disclosure agreements using standard templates.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Educated to Degree level, or equivalent level of experience gained in the work environment.
• Experience of supporting research and/or innovation projects within a higher education environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of research and innovation funding issues.
• Experience of dealing with large volumes of work to meet tight deadlines.
• Experience of a customer service environment.

Skills and abilities:

• Ability to analyse, interpret and respond to detailed written documentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work.
• Ability to work independently under broad direction.
• Ability to disseminate complex financial information to non-experts and personnel at all levels.
• Able to foster a cooperative work environment, good team player.
• Clear communication style (written and verbal).
• Good analytical and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a changing environment and act as a change champion.
• Experience of research or innovation management IT solutions and/or costing software.