Research Operations Manager

About the role

This post is essential to the smooth running of the highly research-active School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, supporting all research grants held by the School, and assisting academic staff to effectively manage research awards through the full life cycle. 

This role involves working collaboratively with the Faculty Research Manager, the School Lead (Research & Impact) and colleagues working in King’s Research Management & Innovation Directorate (RMID).

In addition to the research administration, you will also be managing three professional services staff who form part of the core services support. You will report directly to the School Manager and deliver on supporting with core activities and projects and participate in cross-Faculty and university projects and initiatives.

The successful candidate will:

• Coordinate and oversee the research administrative support to academic and research staff, working closely with the central university teams from application stage, grant set up and final reconciliation and reporting
• Work with colleagues to identify and promote funding opportunities and enhance application quality through peer review and mock interviews
• Improve financial sustainability through maximising cost recovery and overhead contributions
• Forge relationships with key partners and stakeholders including funding bodies
• Line manage and develop operational staff to support the delivery of research administrative support across the School
• Train and develop academic, research and professional services staff on systems and processes required throughout the life cycle of research grants including PURE, Business World, Worktribe, ResearchFish, ORCID and other platforms
• Work with colleagues across the Faculty and King’s to develop and implement policies and processes that improve our research administration
• Provide and analyse management information on the research portfolio and application rates within the School and identify areas requiring improvement
• Assist the School Lead (Research & Impact), School Manager and Faculty Research Manager in coordinating the School’s response and contribution to the Research Excellence Framework and other formal assessments/reports
• Foster a stimulating, innovative and inclusive cultural environment across the School enabling students and staff to thrive and develop, actively supporting diversity and inclusion initiatives that promote equality in research and aim to address key points of attrition, particularly for staff and students with protected characteristics

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria 

• Educated to degree level or relevant experience
• Good understanding of the UK and EU funding environment
• High numerate with proven financial management and analytical skills to underpin strategic financial strategic decisions and procedures
• Proven Professional Services skills gained within Higher Education sector
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience of building an effective network across a complex organization and with external stakeholders
• Experience of Research Grants; from Application through to Award Management and closure
• Excellent task management skills both for self and others, meeting tight deadlines

Desirable criteria

• Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification
• Knowledge of research and policy in health (bioscience/ Medicine)
• Experience of Research Management tools and systems, including complex database and management information systems 
• Experience of staff management
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

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