We are seeking a highly motivated Research Grants Support Officer to join our research support team. This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive and detail-oriented professional with proven experience in research grants administration within Higher Education to play a central role in enabling high-quality research activity across the department.
You will provide comprehensive pre-award support, manage research ethics processes, and contribute to wider research governance and strategy. Working closely with academic and research staff, you will help maximise funding success, maintain compliance, and support the department’s research ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Award Support
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Identify and share research funding opportunities, deadlines, and application requirements.
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Support staff in preparing and submitting research proposals, offering constructive feedback and ensuring compliance with funder rules.
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Conduct eligibility checks, assist with X5 costings, and coordinate departmental approval.
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Manage grant applications across a variety of schemes and career levels.
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Organise departmental workshops and briefing sessions on funding priorities and application processes.
Research Ethics & Compliance
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Act as departmental liaison for the Research Ethics Committee, managing ethics applications and reviews.
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Ensure compliance with research data protection policies and assist with data management plans.
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Work with senior colleagues to ensure alignment with university research integrity standards.
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Support training on GDPR, ethical practice, and research compliance.
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Maintain research contracts and data protection records.
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Contribute to preparations and submissions for the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
General Research Support
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Provide professional and knowledgeable support to academic and research staff.
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Maintain research databases and records with high accuracy.
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Produce regular reports on research activity and compliance for senior stakeholders.
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Support process improvements and policy development in research administration.
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Coordinate the Research Strategy Group, including preparing and circulating materials.
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Organise research-related briefings and workshops.
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Provide cover across the wider research administration team to ensure seamless service delivery.
Essential Selection Criteria
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Experience in research administration—specifically research grants and contracts management—within Higher Education (essential).
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Strong understanding of research funding processes and funder requirements.
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Familiarity with research ethics procedures and data protection regulations, including GDPR.