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- Tasks: Lead research and innovation projects, develop funding applications, and collaborate with academics and industry.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top research-intensive universities, known for its innovation and academic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, a generous pension scheme, and access to health and wellbeing facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and potential sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering and physical sciences while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research development, project management, and building partnerships is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Interviews expected to be held 27 August 2025.
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 research and innovation in Engineering & Physical Sciences disciplines through building excellent working relationships with academics, policymakers, and colleagues in industry?
We have two related roles within the UK Research Development Team
- Faculty Focussed Officer/Manager – Supporting researchers across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, including providing support to thematic areas such as energy, robotics and fluid dynamics .
- Funder Focussed Officer/Manager – Supporting researchers across the institution with expert knowledge and guidance on EPSRC funding schemes.
For both roles, 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. 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. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
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!
- Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
- 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
Email: l.a.mason@leeds.ac.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research & Innovation Development Manager/Officer employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research & Innovation Development Manager/Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current employees in the Research and Innovation department. Reach out on LinkedIn or attend relevant university events to get insights into the team culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest funding opportunities and trends in Engineering & Physical Sciences. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of successful funding applications you've been involved in. Highlight your project management skills and how you've built partnerships in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the university's strategic goals and how the Research Development Team aligns with them. Being able to articulate this connection will show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Research & Innovation Development Manager/Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in research and innovation, particularly in developing funding applications. Use specific examples that demonstrate your project management skills and ability to work with interdisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your enthusiasm for the role and how your background aligns with the job description. Mention your experience in building relationships with academics and industry partners, as well as your understanding of EPSRC funding schemes.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In your application, emphasise any successful funding applications you have developed or contributed to. Include metrics or outcomes that showcase your impact in previous roles, especially in engineering and physical sciences.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your experience in research development and innovation. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've managed and how you navigated complex organisational structures to achieve success.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Research Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in Engineering and Physical Sciences. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these areas and how you can contribute to advancing research and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Your Networking Skills
Highlight your ability to build relationships with academics, policymakers, and industry colleagues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully forged partnerships in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Expertise
Prepare to discuss your project management skills in detail. Provide examples of complex projects you've managed, focusing on how you ensured successful outcomes and collaboration among interdisciplinary teams.
✨Be Ready for Funding Discussions
Since the role involves developing high-quality funding applications, be ready to talk about your experience with various funding schemes. Discuss any successful applications you've worked on and your approach to securing funding.