EU Research Support Facilitator

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking a knowledgeable role in research funding to advise researchers and professional services on European and international grant requirements. You will guide budgeting, costing and pricing, and support pre- and post-award management.

You will work with academics across departments, coordinating with the Research Office to ensure adherence to funder rules, manage risks, and contribute to process improvements in European funding guidance.

Qualifications

• Experience in research support, preferably in Higher Education.
• Financial awareness to advise on budgeting, costing and pricing for grants.
• Understanding of financial systems and budgeting processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex info clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support European Commission funding applications, grant agreements and amendments.
• Liaise with funding bodies and internal/external stakeholders.
• Advise on budgeting, costing, pricing and compliance per funder requirements.
• Analyse funding outcomes to identify future opportunities.
• Contribute to development of processes and guidance for European research funding.
• Support management of risks related to research funding applications and awards.
• Assist training and staff development activities related to European Commission funding.

Skills

Grant budgeting

Research funding

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Relevant degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Role:

Working closely with academics, Departments and colleagues across the Research Office, you will provide specialist advice and support throughout the lifecycle of European and international research grants, from application development and submission through to award management and reporting.

You will advise researchers and professional services colleagues on funding requirements, budgeting, costing and pricing, support the transition of successful applications from pre-award to post-award management, and maintain expert knowledge of European Commission and international funder requirements, translating these into clear and practical guidance.

You will also:

• support European Commission funding applications, grant agreements and award amendments;
• liaise with funding bodies, particularly the European Commission, and develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders;
• provide advice on budgeting, costing, pricing and compliance in line with funder requirements and University policies;
• analyse funding outcomes and feedback to identify future opportunities;
• contribute to the development and improvement of processes and guidance for European research funding;
• support the management of risks associated with research funding applications and awards; and
• support training, induction and staff development activities relating to European Commission funding.

About you

You will have experience of research support activities, preferably within Higher Education, together with a background in research funding or grants administration.

You will have the financial awareness to advise on research grant budgeting, costing and pricing, alongside an understanding of financial systems and budgeting processes.

You will be self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, and capable of managing competing priorities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You will be comfortable communicating complex information to a range of audiences and building productive relationships with academics, researchers, professional services colleagues and external organisations.

You will also have:

• excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing papers and reports;
• the ability to develop and participate effectively in internal and external networks;
• good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint;
• an understanding of the Higher Education sector and research environment; and
• a relevant degree or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.

Knowledge and experience of European Commission or other international research funding is desirable.

What we can offer:

This is an opportunity to join a specialist team at the heart of the University's research support activity. The role offers variety across research funding advice, grant administration, financial management, stakeholder engagement, process improvement, funding intelligence and staff development.

You will have the opportunity to develop expertise in European and international research funding while contributing directly to the University's ability to secure and manage externally funded research.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Reuben Almeida at: [e-mail]

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact: Cambridge Research Office Recruitment at: [e-mail]

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.