At a Glance
- Tasks: Support researchers in securing grants and building partnerships for impactful research.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in research while collaborating with diverse teams and experts.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in research support or grant management.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Position Details
Research Strategy and Services Division
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 25th November 2026
There are 5 positions available
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.
The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.
Background
The University of Birmingham is a global institution working within a diverse and vibrant city, offering an inspiring education to our students, and undertaking critically important research. We are a place of open, critical thinking, and the creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge.
Department overview
The University has an exciting vision to build on the success of REF2021 by continuing to transform its research performance across outputs, income, impact, and policy influence. Central to this ambition is the Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD), a Professional Services department that works in partnership with academics across research strategy, operations, and partnerships.
Role Summary
The Research Development Officer (RDO) is part of the Research Support Team and provides support to researchers within specific Schools across all aspects of pre-award research support. This includes proactive research development, research agreements, and partnership building to facilitate high-quality research, while also supporting the broader research environment and impact agenda.
Main Duties
- Act as the primary point of contact for researchers within a defined School or portfolio, providing expert guidance on the development and submission of research applications.
- Work collaboratively within the wider Research Support Team to ensure researchers receive professional support at every stage of the process.
- Liaise with external partners and collaborators, as well as internal colleagues across the Division, to ensure a seamless application process.
- Review, provide recommendations, and draft clauses to support the negotiation of contractual and grant funding agreements related to research awards.
- Provide expert advice on proposal content to ensure alignment with funding criteria.
- Ensure compliance with funder requirements and the University’s financial and governance regulations.
- Cost research proposals, ensuring appropriate cost recovery and compliance with the University’s financial regulations.
- Advise on risk management related to research grants and agreements.
- Lead the development and delivery of funder and grant writing workshops.
- Collaborate with colleagues to support process and systems improvements across research activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus significant relevant practical experience.
- Knowledge of the UK research funding ecosystem and key research funders.
- Experience of successfully leading/coordinating the development of research grants and/or research agreements.
- Excellent analytical skills with an ability to analyse complex qualitative and quantitative information.
- Excellent communication skills - with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.
- Proficient IT skills, including the MS Office suite.
- High level of self-motivation and personal accountability.
- Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Informal enquiries to Craig Maskell, email: [email]
Research Development Officer - Research Strategy and Services Division -108243 -Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the School of Chemistry provides ample opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles, all while being situated in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community.
