BactiVac Project Officer - CMH - Research and Knowledge Transfer - 106933 - Grade 6 in Birmingham

Overview

Position: Research Delivery Team, Research Office, College of Medicine & Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression to £39,906. Grade: 6. Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2027. Closing date: 25 February 2026. Travel may be required for this role.

Background

The Research Delivery team, part of the College of Medicine & Health’s Research Office, is a hub for Professional Service staff supporting high-value, strategically important projects and programmes. We work with Professional Services colleagues and Academics across the University and partner organisations, particularly NHS colleagues, to maximise the impact of funded research. The portfolio of research supported is wide ranging and includes large-scale research programmes and infrastructure awards funded by charities, government and other major health research funders. The role will be embedded within the Research Delivery team directly supporting BactiVac, the Bacterial Vaccines Network.

BactiVac is a global vaccinology network that brings together members based in academic, industry and policy sectors to accelerate the development of vaccines against bacterial infections relevant to LMICs. Since its establishment in August 2017, the Network has grown to over 2,400 members across 92 countries, with 52% based in LMICs. The Network fosters partnership by providing catalyst project funding and training support and hosts Annual Network Meetings that bring our global membership together, enabling exchange of ideas and the generation of new collaborations.

Operational management and delivery of Network activity is devolved to the BactiVac Administrative team, which consists of the Network Operations Manager, Deputy Operations Manager, External Engagement Co-ordinator, Senior Events & Training Co-ordinator, Marketing & Communications Assistant, two Network Administrators and the Project Officer.

Role Summary

The BactiVac Project Officer will work closely with the Deputy Operations Manager and other administrative team members, leading on planning, organisation and delivery of Network’s Catalyst funding schemes, and supporting the management and delivery of these portfolios of funded Network activity. The post holder will provide outstanding customer service and support, be confident in dealing with a variety of stakeholders at all levels within a range of organisations, and collaborate with the rest of the administrative team. The post holder will demonstrate initiative, the ability to multi-task and communicate effectively, with a flexible approach and the ability to work independently. They will have extensive experience in project management, including reporting and financial management. Previous experience of providing high-level executive support to senior managers and an understanding of global health issues would be advantageous.

Main Duties

• The BactiVac Project Officer will manage projects related to the delivery of the Network’s catalyst funding schemes, providing well-developed and timely project management support.
• You will work proactively, using initiative and planning skills to set priorities and ensure progress, identify issues and propose solutions.
• Lead on the planning, organisation and delivery of the Network’s catalyst funding schemes including, but not limited to:

• Identifying milestones and key performance indicators;
• Data collection and analysis;
• Milestone tracking and KPI tracking;
• Developing and proposing solutions for issues;
• Recommending improvements to project management;
• Preparing progress reports for project boards or other meetings;
• Assisting in budget monitoring and management, including reporting;
• Assisting with stakeholder management and maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements;
• Assessing and escalating issues and risks as appropriate.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience in a similar role will be required.
• Significant practical experience in a similar role, experience of using project management tools.
• Evidenced experience and a successful track record in managing portfolios of funded projects/activities.
• Experience of providing high-level effective executive support to senior managers.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with ability to write clearly and analyse information and data.
• Highly proficient IT skills, including MS Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to understand policy, processes and procedures and to recommend improvements and implement changes.
• Excellent analytical skills to produce reports and resolve issues decisively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire confidence and provide excellent customer service.
• Professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• High initiative, judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility and self-motivation.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, complex organisation and understand how the University and HEI environments work.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and how to ensure fair treatment in day-to-day activity; awareness of diversity and inclusion considerations.

Role Context

Roles at this level require expertise and a detailed understanding of methods, systems and procedures in an administrative or professional area. You may use specialist knowledge or have a planning/co-ordination/project role, or a supervisory role where you may manage a team. You will have the opportunity to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative to resolve queries with limited guidance/supervision.

Core Competencies/Transferable Skills

You will develop and use core competencies/transferable skills as shown below and be flexible in supporting your department and the wider University.

Further particulars can be found here. Informal enquiries to Susan Pope, email: S.A.Pope@bham.ac.uk.

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail needed to assess your skills and experience. Such applications are unlikely to be progressed to interview.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We are committed to proactively addressing barriers and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre focused on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work. We are also committed to sustainability, a key part of our strategy. You can learn more about our work on our website.