Research Support Manager

Reporting to the Head of Research Support, the Research Support Manager (RSM) will lead a team of professional research support practitioners providing the Colleges of Engineering & Physical Sciences and Life and Environmental Sciences, and College of Medical and Dental Sciences with a first-class, end-to-end grants, contracts and post-award research support service to academics across these Colleges.  Developing staff in an inclusive environment that supports all colleagues to thrive is key to the RSSD culture and that of the wider University, the Research Support Manager will be provided the opportunity to develop their own team, supporting officers to progress through the research support career path of the Division, whilst also being supported to continually develop their own professional practice.

You will provide expert advice and support to academic staff and in the leadership of the team to ensure that research proposals are supported in a proactive and timely manner, adding value to applications and working with the School/Institute to develop effective systems, procedures, and guidelines for the timely submission of applications to multiple funders.  Critically, you will provide leadership to the team on contract drafting, development and negotiation including risk management of grant and contract activity and guidance on appropriate mitigation. 

You will work collaboratively with the School and College Heads of Research and your team members within RSSD, as well as other Professional Services teams, to deliver a high-quality and customer-focused service.  

Main duties

• Lead a diverse team of Research Support practitioners in the areas of: 
  • Research proposal development, partner liaison, costing and pricing, institutional contributions, funder terms and conditions, effective pre-to-post award handover;
  • The negotiation and agreement of research contracts and research-related agreements;  
  • Renegotiation of awards with funders, where required; 

Person Specification

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus significant relevant practical experience – where no equivalent qualification is held substantial practical relevant experience and expertise in a series of progressively more demanding roles will be required.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly for a variety of audiences, and to produce and analyse source material, information and data.
• Experience of providing senior practitioner support to complex issues relating to research support including research facilitation, meeting funder conditions, budgeting, aspects of contracting and collaboration, set-up and delivery of projects, research culture and being recognised as a trusted expert and developing individuals and teams to do the same. 
• Authoritative knowledge of the strategic issues impacting the UK and/or overseas research funding environment, including broader sector/commercial awareness
• Experience of successfully leading the development of major research grants and contracts.
• Substantial experience of engaging, and collaborating, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with proven experience of leading, motivating and managing teams, including engaging with peers and staff who are not direct reports.

Informal enquiries to Sam Hickman, email: s.j.hickman@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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