Research Support Officer

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Post-Award Processes Officer, the Research Support Officer (Post-Award) will deliver post-award support for successful research and knowledge exchange projects across Oxford Brookes University. The post-holder will be responsible for monitoring project expenditure, ensuring compliance with external funder terms and conditions, supporting financial reporting, and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding awards.

This role is hybrid and is likely to require 1 day on campus per week.

This is a full time, fixed term post for 3 years.

This role sits within the Post-Award and Contracts team, part of the Research Support & Governance Team within the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Directorate. Directorate provides support to facilitate world-leading research, cutting-edge innovation, and promotes engagement with research end-users and beneficiaries. RIE accelerates collaborations between industry, business, the public sector, NGOs, and academia, supports commercialisation through licensing and spinout creation, and provides training for staff and students to develop entrepreneurial skills. The team maintains strong internal relationships with Finance, the People Directorate, and Deans of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (DRIKEs), alongside external funding bodies and project partners.

What will I be doing? 

• Financial Monitoring & Compliance: Monitor expenditure on active externally funded grants, identifying variances between predicted and actual spend, and ensuring full compliance with funder terms and conditions.
• Funder Reporting: Support the preparation and submission of interim reports, final expenditure statements, and formal requests for extensions, supplements, or virements to external funders.
• Invoice & Partner Coordination: Liaise with project leads, Finance, and external partners to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices for both OBU-led and externally-led research projects.
• Advisory & Guidance: Provide clear information, advice, and guidance to award holders regarding funder- and scheme-specific terms and conditions, keeping up to date with UK and EU funding landscapes.
• Systems & Information Management: Maintain accurate post-award records, assist with internal reporting, and ensure research support policies and processes remain up-to-date on the staff intranet.

What skills do I need? 

• Qualifications & Knowledge: A good knowledge and understanding of HE systems, research support, and the UK research funding landscape.
• Technical & Numerical Proficiency: Strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and confident, proficient use of IT systems, including Microsoft Excel.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to explain complex information clearly and work closely with and influence academic staff.
• Planning & Organisation: Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to set goals, prioritise workload, and work effectively under own initiative.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to assess and resolve complex problems without simple technical solutions, adapt positively to change, and generate creative improvements to workflows.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all.

We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

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