Research Development & Support Officer

Work in close partnership with Faculty staff to facilitate continuous improvements in research performance, impact environment and culture. Support academics in delivering enhanced research project outcomes and obtaining research grants.

Collect and collate information on all aspects of research performance to contribute to the evidence based used for assessing research performance improvements and providing raw data for an optimised submission to the next Research Excellence Framework.

Main activities and responsibilities

Additional Key Requirements:

Managing People and Resources

Provide general guidance and training to Research Development and Support Administrators

Communication

Communicate detailed, sometimes complex information to a wide range of colleagues including advice about quality assurance and administrative processes for research.

Teamwork and collaborative working

Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure skilled, responsive and effective research development and support services are provided for the University.

Act as key Faculty co-ordinator for research support and development whilst maintaining strong relationships with the central Research Hub

Initiative, problem solving and decision making

Provide advice and guidance on different aspects of the research life-cycle.

Identify and take forward opportunities to improve and support research, attract funding and capture impact.

Influence Faculty, and on occasion, University decisions through participating in relevant committees, working groups and other forums.

Work environment

Be aware of the risks in the work environment and impact on own work.

Person Specification

• Educated to first degree level or able to demonstrate a combination of professional qualifications, skills and experience at an equivalent level.
• Experience of supporting academic research in a higher education environment
• Experience of working in a matrix management structure
• Excellent IT skills including MS Office and web-based systems.
• Experience of collecting data and compiling reports on research activities within higher education.
• High level of literacy and numeracy
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail with experience of maintaining complex records accurately.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively
• An understanding of UK research policy and the context for Higher Education.
• An appreciation of the various elements of the research cycle including pre-awards; post awards; dissemination and impact.
• An understanding of the need for high levels of research integrity.

The Association of University Administrators (AUA) professional behaviours framework provides further useful information on key competencies relevant to University administration roles.

There is a requirement to work at any University campus and RDSOs are expected to spend time working both in Faculties and in the Research Hub. Postholders should be able to travel to meet academic and professional services staff at their own place of work. There may be a requirement for additional travel from time to time to attend conferences and events.

Hours- FT, 37.5 Hours a week

Location - Parkside Building City Centre

Duration- Up Until 31st October