Research and Development Operations Officer

Description

The R&D Operations team supports the growth in capabilities and diversification of revenue streams for the Digital Catapult through operational excellence. The team are responsible for ensuring that all submitted grant proposals (competitive and direct awards) are; high quality and prepared following funder terms and conditions and compliance requirements and internal policies.   

Key target funders include but are not limited to UKRI (Research Councils), European Commission (Horizon Europe and other framework programmes), DBT, DCMS, DfT, DSIT and MoD.    

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)  

• Provide pre-award grant administration support across all pre-award activities for grant proposals.  
• Proactively support a portfolio of complex, high value, collaborative research grants ensuring all eligible costs are included and costings are consistent with external sponsor rules and Catapult Financial Procedures and policies.  
• Provide expert advice about key research and innovation funder expectations and requirements.   
• Guide proposals through from qualification to submission in line with funder requirements and internal processes.  
• Review terms and conditions and offer letters for awards, guide successful proposal through contracting stage up to project start and handover to project delivery. 
• Provide support with no cost and costed extensions ensuring completion of contracting process.   
• Ongoing financial and data reporting on Research Office activities and performance 

Requirements

• Experience using R&D business systems and managing data quality for management that is accurate, timely and verified.  
• Experience of improving research Operations and Research Office business processes, documenting these processes and developing training courses/events;  
• Significant experience of research systems including UKRI Funding Service EU Funding & Tender Portal for Horizon and other funder submission systems.  
• Audit, risk management and reporting experience  

Benefits

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• 5% performance related bonus
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks! 

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.

To apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Advert information