Do you enjoy helping researchers turn funding opportunities into strong, successful applications?
We’re looking for a Pre-Award Officer to join the Research & Innovation Operations team. You’ll help support the University’s research and innovation culture by matching academic expertise with suitable funding opportunities, supporting grant applications and helping colleagues navigate funder requirements, costings and internal processes. This role will mainly be supporting Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS).
Working with colleagues across BDRI, academic schools and external funders, you’ll play a key role in supporting high-quality applications and helping to increase research and innovation income.
As Pre-Award Officer you can expect to be involved in:
- Identifying research and innovation funding opportunities from commercial, charity and government sources
- Supporting academics with grant applications, costings, guidance and award acceptance
- Building relationships with academic colleagues, funders and external partners
- Keeping up to date with funding developments and sharing insight across the University
What will you bring to the role?
- Understanding of the university research environment and UK research funding system
- Experience supporting research or innovation grant administration
- Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to work accurately under pressure
- Strong IT, communication and relationship-building skills
What we can offer in return:
As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:
- Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
- 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
- Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
- Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health
For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent
PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.
Section Funding and Awards (LHES) Location Canterbury Salary £32,080 to £35,608per annum pro rata Grade Grade 6 Post Type Part Time Hours per Week 17.5 Contract Type Permanent Release Date Thursday 10 September 2026 Closing Date 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 27 September 2026(unless otherwise stated*) Interview Date Tuesday 06 October 2026 Reference BDRI-018-26-R
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Pre-Award Officer in Canterbury employer: University of Kent
The University of Kent is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth. As a Strategic Business Analyst, you will have the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, contribute to meaningful projects like the HEAT system rebuild, and benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee development and work-life balance.
