Research Support Officer (Rie) Pre Award X2 - Internal Applicants Only

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Employee assistance

Relocation support

Training & development

Job summary

Oxford Brookes University invites applications for a Research Support Officer (Pre‑Award) to help researchers develop and submit high‑quality funding proposals. You will advise on funder requirements, coordinate bids and ensure alignment with institutional and funder rules.

Based at Headington Campus with hybrid working (1 day on site per week). You will contribute to the Research Support & Governance team and support colleagues across faculties to enable successful bid submissions.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of higher education research support and UK funding landscape.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication, ability to explain complex info.
• High attention to detail and adherence to policies and funding rules.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other business systems.
• Ability to collaborate with academic staff and professional services.
• Independent, proactive, and able to adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support development, preparation and submission of high‑quality research funding applications.
• Advice on funder requirements, processes, eligibility and submission.
• Coordinate proposals with internal and external collaborators to meet deadlines.
• Prepare project budgets and costings in line with guidance and regulations.
• Conduct quality and compliance checks before submission.
• Obtain institutional approvals and submit to funding bodies on time.
• Build relationships with researchers and professional services for responsive support.
• Maintain knowledge of funding landscape and improve processes and resources.

Job description

PLEASE NOTE: This is an internal advert and is open to current Oxford Brookes University staff only.

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

Based at our Headington Campus and reporting to a Research Funding Manager, the Research Support Officer (Pre-Award) will play a key role in supporting the University’s research community to develop and submit high-quality research funding applications. Working within the Research Support & Governance team, you will provide expert administrative and coordination support throughout the pre‑award lifecycle, advising academic staff on funder requirements, supporting proposal development and costing, and ensuring applications meet institutional and funder compliance requirements. The post‑holder may also be required to contribute to a range of Faculty‑aligned research support activities, working collaboratively with colleagues across the University to enable a thriving research environment.

About the team

The Pre Award Team sits within the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE). The Directorate supports the University’s ambition to deliver world‑leading research, innovation and knowledge exchange by helping researchers secure external funding, develop partnerships and maximise the impact of their work.

The team works closely with academic colleagues, Faculty Research Leads, Finance teams and senior University leaders to provide professional research support across the full research lifecycle. We are a collaborative and customer‑focused team, committed to delivering high‑quality services that enable researchers to succeed in an increasingly competitive funding environment.

What will I be doing?

• Supporting academic colleagues in the development, preparation and submission of high‑quality research funding applications.
• Providing advice and guidance on funder requirements, application processes, eligibility criteria and submission requirements.
• Coordinating research proposals, working with internal and external collaborators to ensure bids are developed and submitted to agreed deadlines.
• Preparing project budgets and costings in line with funder guidance and University financial regulations, liaising with Finance and Faculty colleagues as required.
• Conducting detailed quality and compliance checks to ensure applications are accurate, complete and meet funder and University requirements before submission.
• Securing the necessary institutional approvals and submitting applications to funding bodies within required timescales.
• Building effective relationships with researchers and professional services colleagues to provide responsive and customer‑focused research support.
• Maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of the research funding landscape and contributing to the continuous improvement of research support processes, guidance and online resources.

What skills do I need?

• Knowledge and understanding of higher education research support and the UK research funding landscape.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately within defined policies, procedures and funding requirements.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, and other business systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic staff and professional services colleagues.
• Proven ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute positively to team objectives.
• Effective problem‑solving skills and a flexible approach to changing priorities and demands.

About the location

Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport.

This role is hybrid and is likely to require 1 day on campus per week.

Benefits

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
• An on‑site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
• Training and development opportunities
• A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.