Research Development Manager

Heriot-Watt University; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Kilmarnock is seeking a Research Development Manager to lead the provision of expert support in research proposal development and submission. The role requires project management expertise and experience with UK and international research funding. The successful candidate will contribute to enhancing the university's research portfolio and reputation.

Qualifications

• Experience with UK, EU and international research funding is essential.
• Deep understanding of research significance for universities is necessary.
• Project management experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Research Development Team to achieve strategic objectives.
• Conduct strategic analyses to identify funding opportunities.
• Develop contacts with strategic partners and funders.
• Manage university-wide processes for funding calls.

Skills

Project management

Liaison with funding bodies

Understanding of research significance

Experience with UK, EU and International research funding

Education

Educated to degree standard or equivalent experience

Job description

Description

The primary function of this post is to lead and manage the provision of expert support to researchers in the development, costing, and submission of research proposals. The post-holder will ensure that proposals are handled efficiently and effectively, maximising the recovery of costs to the University and contributing to its financial sustainability.

This role is central to the University's ambition to grow its research portfolio and enhance its reputation for excellence. The Research Development Manager will play a pivotal role in embedding robust and responsive research procedures, aligned with institutional priorities and funder requirements.

Role Responsibilities And Objectives:

• Managing the Research Development Team in the Research Engagement Directorate, enabling a professional partnership model to achieve strategic objectives.
• Contributing to strategic, pre-competitive analyses and horizon-scanning activities, identifying emerging opportunities and shaping institutional responses to major funding calls in collaboration with academic colleagues and professional services.
• Developing key contacts with strategic partners and funders.
• Managing university-wide processes to identify and respond to funding calls.
• Taking specific responsibility for advising on the development of funding from a wide range of research funders.
• Providing support to researchers and support staff on significant proposal developments.
• Ensuring the University's research management and administration systems are maintained and identifying opportunities for development and improvement.
• Liaison with Schools, Research Engagement, Business and Enterprise and other professional support to achieve these objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent experience.
• Good experience of UK, EU and International research funding.
• Deep understanding of the significance of research for universities.
• Track record of liaison with research funding bodies.
• Project management experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Appropriate qualification or training (e.g. ARMA Membership or attendance at ARMA events).
• Working in a Higher Education, Research or similar institution.
• Familiar with electronic submission systems such as Je-S.
• Sound knowledge of research funding mechanisms in the UK, EU and Internationally.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sectors of society. For more information, please see our website.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.