Research Development Officer

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874. Grade: 7

Are you passionate about supporting groundbreaking research? The University of Birmingham invites you to be part of our dynamic Research Strategy & Services Division (RSSD).

With an ambitious vision to enhance our research performance post-REF2021, we're dedicated to fostering an inclusive and productive environment for all our researchers.

About us

The University of Birmingham is a world-class institution at the heart of a diverse and lively city. We're dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience to our students and conducting groundbreaking research that has a global impact. As part of our professional services team, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our researchers and ensuring our resources are managed effectively to meet our ambitious goals.

Role Overview:

Reporting to a Research Support Manager and part of a vibrant team of Research Development Officers (RDO), you will play a crucial role in supporting researchers within the Colleges of Life and Environmental Sciences and Engineering and Physical Sciences in delivering grants and research contracts support. Joining our Research Support Team, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and receive comprehensive training in competitive bid development, budgeting, and contract support.

Main Duties

• Work as part of our Research Support (Grants & Contracts) Team, primarily focusing on providing contracts support for research projects.
• Provide expert guidance and support in the negotiation and management of research contracts, ensuring compliance with funder terms and university policies.
• Collaborate closely with research support colleagues to develop comprehensive proposals and budgets, delivering high-quality support to academics.
• Reviewing and advising on reputational and/or financial risks, including potential mitigations, and escalating as required, working within the RSSD Standard Operating Procedures. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience of working successfully in a research support, regulatory, or contracts environment, or relevant legal training.
• Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality customer service, with a focus on meeting the needs of researchers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage a client-facing portfolio.
• Knowledge of research contracts and funding regulations, with the ability to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

If you're interested in a rewarding career in research support, with fantastic career pathways, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment, we encourage you to apply.

Informal enquiries to Chris Bradley c.j.bradley@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

Closes: 29^th October 2025

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