Job title:Research Development Officer

Reports to:Research Development Manager

Department:Research, Enterprise and Social Partnerships (RESP)

Location:Cockcroft Building, Moulsecoomb

Grade:6

Reference:EG5118

Purpose of the role

This postholder works as part of a specialist team who support research bid development at the University. Each member of the team works closely with a specified group of Schools but will be expected to provide cover on a regular basis in times of heavy workload or absence. They will be responsible for supporting all aspects of research bid development including providing funding intelligence, drafting aspects of submissions and providing specialist advice on budgeting and content of proposals. They will support research-active staff through tailored 1-1 support and through contributing to the delivery of a comprehensive University-wide training programme.

Main areas of responsibility:

  • To develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of research activities and interests in a defined set of Schools, and a broad knowledge of research activity across the institution in order to be able to deliver tailor-made support relevant to the experience and discipline of individuals, groups and Schools and identify opportunities for cross-disciplinary research.
  • To provide research funding intelligence by advising the academic community about funder strategies and priorities and horizon scanning for funding opportunities, matching them to research interests and career stages and promoting them as appropriate.
  • To advise and assist academic staff on the preparation, drafting and submission of research funding proposals including detailed technical checks and proof reading in advance of submission. This includes, where appropriate, drafting sections and providing specialist expert advice on funder regulations and guidance.
  • To work with researchers to develop a project budget that is within funder regulations and maximises research income for the University, ensuring the inclusion of all costs necessary for project implementation. Budgets may include national and international partners.
  • To ensure that the University research bid process is adhered to, managing the peer review process for grant applications, ensuring appropriate demand management processes are in place, advising authorisers on the resourcing implications of proposals and securing necessary approvals.
  • To participate in internal review for applications, providing detailed feedback on proposals against funding criteria and advising applicants on how bids can be enhanced.
  • To work closely with the Deputy Heads (Research & Enterprise) to deliver appropriate support for the School to enable them to meet research grant targets. This might include running bespoke training, targeting specific groups of researchers for support and representing the Research Office on School Committees.
  • To design and deliver a series of cross-institutional internal workshops designed to encourage staff to submit external funding applications and to ensure that they are of the highest quality.
  • To represent the institution at external events, sharing good practice across the sector, representing the institution on external networks and working with colleagues in other institutions and organisations on multi-partner projects.

General responsibilities

These are standard to all University of Brighton job descriptions.

  • To undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser grade.
  • To adhere to the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible
  • To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act

The person specification focuses on the knowledge, qualifications, experience and skills (both general and technical) required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A), at interview (I) and in some instances through an exercise (E).

Essential criteria / A, I, E
Knowledge /
  • A good understanding of issues relating to research and research grant applications
  • High level written communication skills
/ A, I
A, I
Qualifications /
  • A good honours degree or equivalent experience demonstrating high level analytical, communication and problem solving skills
/ A
Experience /
  • Previous experience of working in a research or HE environment
  • Experience of developing or working with budgets
  • Experience of recommending and implementing change
  • Experience of academic writing
  • Experience of designing and delivering training
/ A, I
A, I
A, I
A
A
Technical/work based skills /
  • Successfully meets objectives on own initiative
  • Solves problems and develops plans successfully, thinks and plans strategically and creatively
  • High level written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to produce a convincing evidence-based case for action.
  • Systematic, efficient with attention to detail, experience of working to regulations or processes
  • Ability to commitment to set and meet objectives jointly with others
  • Understands the needs of others, experience of delivering difficult and complex information in a diplomatic manner, experience of managing confidential information.
  • Good level of computer skills including Microsoft office
/ A, I
A, I
A, I, E
A, E
A, I
A, I
A, I
A
Desirable /
  • Proof reading experience

  • Salary range: £29301 to £32958. The appointment is generally made at the bottom of the range dependent upon experience and previous salary.
  • The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum, plus public holidays and University closure days. Annual leave, including public holidays and closure days, is pro-rated for part-time staff.
  • Hours – 37 per week
  • More information about the department can be found here
  • The University has an attractive range of benefits and you can find more information about them on our website.

04 December 2018