Research Funding Manager

Take your place at the heart of our research strategy. 

• Provide expert research funding advice and develop strategic bids at one of the UK’s leading universities. 

 Join us in this vital role and you’ll contribute to the delivery of the University’s research strategy by providing expert research funding advice and project managing the development and submission of strategically important projects. Developing and implementing sustainable funder-specific strategies, you’ll build on our research expertise with the aim of growing research income and improving our overall performance. You’ll also underpin the University’s ability to access external research funding and become better positioned to influence future calls and priorities.  

This post is aligned to the Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Arts and Humanities, where you will be responsible for overseeing the University’s relationship with a few of our major funders. You will play a key role in supporting our academic colleagues in the faculty, be responsible for identifying and evaluating key opportunities for research funding and provide expert advice and professional support on the preparation and submission of large and strategically important research proposals. You will also contribute to the development programme of our researchers and lead and facilitate workshops to develop interdisciplinary areas of research.

With skill levels equivalent to the achievement of a professional qualification or postgraduate degree, or with significant relevant experience at a senior level, you’ll have a good understanding of the national and international research funding landscape. Knowledge of the HEI research lifecycle and environment is essential, as is proven people management skills and the ability to initiate, plan and manage major new projects.

We’ll also look for the skill to identify broad trends to assess and resolve issues, the courage to apply originality in modifying existing approaches to solve problems, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team setting. Always ready to provide expert guidance and advice, your interpersonal skills will allow you to persuade and influence to foster excellent relationships with your colleagues and other stakeholders.  

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide, we’re bold, progressive and keen to push the boundaries of what we’re achieving and will help you find a brilliant work/life balance. And with access to onsite childcare facilities and a childcare vouchers scheme, our comprehensive benefits package also includes a contributory pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, subsidised health and fitness facilities, a cycle-to-work scheme and a range of discounts.  

We believe equality and diversity are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a vibrant, proud, and successful organisation.  A diverse workforce, with people from different racial, educational, and social backgrounds and a range of ages, opens up a wealth of possibilities for Southampton. 

For more information about the opportunities that you could create with us, please contact Head of Research Funding Development Dr Ying Chen (ying.chen@soton.ac.uk) or Director of Research Strategy and Funding Mylene Ployaert (mgsp@soton.ac.uk).

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

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