Research Development Advisor

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for two Research Development Advisor roles in the Cambridge Research Office. You will support researchers and their Departments in preparing, costing and reviewing research bids, with a strong emphasis on costing and compliance.

Work closely with research staff to ensure funder eligibility and accurate budgets. Hybrid working is supported; onsite attendance at Greenwich House is required for at least two days per week.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical and communication skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational abilities and the capacity to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Costing and compliance focused support for grant applications.
• Advise on eligibility, funder rules, and budgeting accuracy.
• Liaise with Departments and PIs to resolve discrepancies before deadlines.

Skills

Numerical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Independent work

Job description

Contracts available:

• 1 x Permanent


• 1 x Fixed Term- Maternity Cover for 12 months or until return of the post holder

The Research Office welcomes applications for Research Development Advisors to join the Cambridge Research Office.

As part of established teams, the post-holders will provide proactive research support across to drive high-quality funding applications. Working closely with research-focused colleagues across the respective Schools, you will support researchers and their Departments in the preparation, costing and review of research bids, with a significant aspect of the role focused on costing and compliance. You will provide advice and guidance on various operational aspects of grant applications, including eligibility of the applicant(s), adherence to the rules of the funding call and accurate costing. You will note any discrepancies between the application and costing, and work with Departmental staff and PIs to resolve these before the funder deadline. You will identify and help mitigate risk, help ensure compliance with University and funder policies, submit research grants to funders and liaise with external parties as appropriate.

Key skills and attributes required for this role include strong numerical and communication skills, as well as attention to detail. Excellent organisational skills, along with the abilities to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and to build networks and effective working relationships are essential for the role. To thrive in this fast-paced and deadline-driven operational role, you will need to be able to work independently, with the ability to prioritise workloads as well as managing tight deadlines.

Prior knowledge and experience of research support activities in Higher Education would be advantageous but is not essential, as full and detailed training will be provided.

The successful applicants will develop a deep understanding of the administrative support required across a complex research landscape. You will be supported to take on varied responsibilities alongside the core requirements of the role, including assisting the Research Development Manager with the delivery of a staff development programme, supporting training for both Departmental and Research Office staff.

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This role requires onsite attendance at Greenwich House for a minimum of two days per week, further details of which should be discussed with the recruiting manager during the interview process.

There are two roles available, a permanent position and the other to cover maternity leave which will be time limited to 12 months or until the current post-holder returns.

Applications are welcome for the fixed term position from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University but we ask you to please discuss this potential secondment opportunity with your current line manager prior to applying and ensure that approval is provided to undertake this opportunity beforehand.

The closing date is Sunday 13th September 2026. Interviews will be held w/c 21st September 2026.

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.