Research Development Officer

De Montfort University (DMU) is an ambitious, globally-minded institution with a relentless focus on delivering quality teaching and learning, and a campus-wide focus on providing a sector-leading student experience. A culturally rich university with a palpable commitment to the public good, it strives to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment where staff and students are able to thrive. The university is a vibrant, multicultural hub of learning, creativity and innovation that never surrenders to convention. We strive to maintain a stimulating and inclusive environment that champions difference and celebrates success.

Role

As a Research Development Officer, the successful candidate will provide a high standard of research development support for a range of externally funded research projects in a fast-paced deadline-focussed environment. This will involve working directly with academic researchers advising and developing high quality research funding applications to the funder’s requirements and in line with the university’s internal quality assurance process.

Reporting to a Research Development Manager, the successful candidate will be an integral member of the university’s busy Research Development Team supporting research staff and working alongside a team of Research Development Officers. They will act as a strategic liaison for research support matters in a Faculty and will be aligned with specific funders to support researchers in winning funds. The role will provide support, as necessary, to their line manager on Faculty and Research Institute activities that research at DMU is organised under. The post-holder will work as part of a team of Research Development Officers serving the University as a whole, each with separate but complementary areas around Faculty and RII responsibility.

Moving forward, during 2024, DMU’s research will be organised around eight Research and Innovation Institutes (RIIs). This role will take responsibility for developing the funding portfolio for the allocated Faculty and associated RIIs. Reporting to Research Development Managers, Research Development Officers will support researchers in winning funds across the University; and act as a liaison for external research support matters in the Faculty.

The role can be completed on a hybrid basis. Although the role is full time we would consider someone 4 days per week (0.8FTE).

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and self-driven individual with a demonstratable track record in research development, with an excellent appreciation of the research funding landscape in the UK and internationally, the ability to persuasively bring collaborators together, and optimize contribution on bids to funders. A strong sense of accuracy and attention to detail is essential. You will be well-versed in following internal policies and guidelines, and be able to read, interpret and advise on funder specific requirements. With excellent communication skills, the ideal candidate must be confident in engaging with internal and external stakeholders at different levels both written and verbally. You will need to develop excellent and effective working relationships with colleagues across the University and outside. You will be proactive and must be comfortable working independently in a busy environment and competent in managing competing priorities and deadlines seamlessly. As part of a small team, you will be expected to work collaboratively and be supportive of team members as required.

For any information enquiries, please email Dr Annabelle Baker-Smith (Research Development Manager) annabelle.baker@dmu.ac.uk

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