Research Funding Manager

University of Sunderland; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 49 days' holiday

Award-winning staff networks

Lifestyle benefits

Health and well-being support

Learning and development

Job summary

University of Sunderland is seeking a Research Funding Manager to lead the University's research funding support function and guide academics in identifying opportunities, developing funder intelligence, and crafting competitive funding applications.

You will head a specialist team delivering end-to-end support across the funding lifecycle, driving improvements to processes, systems and service delivery to increase research income and strengthen the University's ambitions.

Job description

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well through global partnerships in 19 countries.

We're an inclusive, ambitious and forward-looking University in a vibrant city that's constantly evolving. We're also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape.

As we move through 2026, we're celebrating being recognised as:

• A top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North-East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North-East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

As Research Funding Manager, you will lead the University's research funding support function, providing expert guidance and strategic leadership to help academics secure external research funding. Working at the heart of Research and Innovation, you will use your in-depth knowledge of the UK and international funding landscape to identify opportunities, provide funder intelligence, and support the development of high-quality, competitive funding applications.

You will lead a specialist team delivering end-to-end support across the research funding lifecycle, ensuring applications are well-coordinated, compliant and submitted successfully. Collaborating closely with academic colleagues and professional service teams, you will drive continuous improvement in processes, systems and service delivery, helping to increase research income, strengthen funding success rates and support the University's research ambitions.

Is this you?

You will bring strong experience in research funding support, research development or research administration, along with a solid understanding of the UK research funding landscape and what it takes to develop successful funding applications.

With experience of managing people, priorities and deadlines, you'll be confident leading and supporting a team while building positive relationships with academic colleagues and professional service partners across the University. You'll enjoy working collaboratively, helping researchers navigate funding opportunities and delivering a high-quality service that makes a real difference.

You will have excellent communication, organisational and analytical skills, enabling you to turn complex funder requirements into clear, practical advice. You'll be comfortable using data and insights to inform decision-making, identify opportunities for improvement and help shape efficient and effective research funding processes.

Most importantly, you'll be a proactive, approachable and service-focused professional who is passionate about supporting researchers to achieve funding success and helping to grow the University's research ambitions.

At the University of Sunderland, we're more than a place of learning, we're a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don't just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:

• Up to 49 days' holiday - that's 36 days' annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.