At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead climate-related research and innovation projects while building strong partnerships.
- Company: One of the UK’s top research-intensive universities with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: 42 days holiday, health perks, gym access, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and potential sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in climate research and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in funding applications and project management in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The interviews are expected to be held on the 3rd August 2026. This role will be based on the university campus with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.
Are you an experienced and enthusiastic Research and Innovation professional looking to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities? Do you have a background in developing and delivering high value and high-quality funding applications? Are you keen to help progress climate-related research and innovation through building excellent working relationships with academics, policymakers, and colleagues in industry?
You will need to quickly establish a University-wide profile, forge strong links with key researchers, build networks across the University and work in partnership with other Research and Innovation Development professionals within the Research and Innovation Service and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures team. You will need to work as part of multiple dynamic teams that can operate effectively in a complex and changing environment.
You will work with colleagues from across the University to provide a coordinated service across the full range of research and innovation activity, including knowledge-led innovation support to businesses (contract/collaborative research and consultancy) and the promotion of skills development programmes, in addition to the provision of support across the full range of research funders (including the UK Research Councils, government departments, international funders and charities and institutionally held Impact Acceleration Accounts).
Successful candidates will have the capability to develop research and innovation proposals in complex organisations. They will have excellent project management skills and the ability to build performance-based partnerships alongside experience of working with interdisciplinary academic teams in the development of successful external funding applications.
Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions.
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
- And much more!
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: Dr Lee Mason, Head of Research Development.
Research and Innovation Development Manager in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
As a leading research-intensive university, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on personal development, we offer a unique opportunity for professionals in the Research and Innovation sector to make a meaningful impact on climate-related initiatives while enjoying a supportive community. Our campus facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym and childcare options, further enhance the work-life balance for our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Innovation Development Manager in Leeds
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like University of Leeds.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like University of Leeds.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Innovation Development Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at University of Leeds that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at University of Leeds and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at University of Leeds, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show University of Leeds that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At University of Leeds, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
