Research Development Manager, South West Secure Data Environment

This full-time role is available from January 2025 for 18 months. There is a possibility of extension subject to additional external funding.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

About you:

You have experience working closely with researchers to develop funding applications and a strong understanding of the research funding ecosystem. You know how to support researchers in building a compelling case for funding, drawing on relevant networks, data, and expertise.

You enjoy creating data-driven narratives and collaborating with researchers to communicate these effectively in grant applications. You’re confident contributing to smaller bids at pace, and you’re able to take the lead on larger, more complex programme grants - coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing timelines to deliver high-quality submissions.

You’re excited by the huge potential offered by improving access to health data for research and motivated by the chance to contribute to a dynamic and ambitious programme with regional and national impact.

You’re comfortable working independently as part of a busy, supportive team. You are able to work professionally and effectively within a complex and dynamic ecosystem, building trusted and effective relationships to support the programme’s aims.

About the role:

The Research Development Manager (RDM) will be part of a new cluster of roles based at the University of Exeter, supporting researchers to develop successful funding applications that include access to the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE) for health data research.

You will work closely with researchers to shape and strengthen funding proposals, helping them articulate the value of their research and the role of the SWSDE within it. You’ll collaborate with regional NHS data contributors, the wider SWSDE team, and University of Exeter Professional Services to ensure researchers have access to the evidence, data, and strategic insight they need to build compelling cases for funding.

The role will primarily focus on supporting the development of high-quality applications, contributing to the strategic growth of the SWSDE research portfolio, monitoring and reporting on SWSDE funding metrics, and tracking and identifying and promoting suitable funding opportunities to your networks. You will work closely with colleagues in the SWSDE cluster at the University of Bristol to shape regional and national scale bids.

The SWSDE is an exciting new programme with huge ambition. This role will be a key part of the team, providing strategic insight into the evolving research landscape and helping to position the SWSDE as a platform for high-impact, data-driven research.

The role will include (expenses paid) travel across the South West region, including regular travel to Bristol and occasional travel for national events, including overnight trips.

Advert information