Senior Research Funding Development Manager

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 47 000 - 57 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Senior Research Funding Development Manager to lead the Faculty of Medical Sciences' funding strategy. The role involves managing a team to maximize research funding, developing strategies and applications, and collaborating with funding bodies. Essential qualifications include a degree in a relevant discipline and comprehensive knowledge of the funding landscape. The position offers a competitive salary range of 47,389 – 56,535 per annum, with a full-time commitment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of the research lifecycle for fundamental, experimental, and translational research.
• Knowledge of the national research funding landscape and strategy relevant to higher education and the NHS.
• Experience managing the preparation of complex research funding applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the research funding strategy for the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
• Line-manage and develop the Research Funding Development Team.
• Maximise research awards by sharing funding information and maintaining relationships with key funders.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to build relationships

Excellent communication

Strategic perspective

Team leadership

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

PhD or other research qualification

Job description

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 19 February 2026

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to develop, manage and deliver the University’s research funding development strategy and service for the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. You will lead and manage the Faculty’s Research Funding Development Team as part of Newcastle University’s Research and Innovation Service.

The Senior Research Funding Development Manager will manage and deliver the University’s research funding development strategy and service for the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). The aim will be to maximise research funding from external funding bodies.

You will be based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and will work with colleagues across the University to manage and deliver a high-quality seamless service to maximise research funding from external funding bodies.

You will have skills in the preparation of or support for complex applications for external research funding. You should have well-established knowledge of research funding agencies and funding streams preferably in the medical sciences. You will need to have the ability to work effectively on complex deadline-driven tasks with colleagues in a range of roles. You should have experience of line-management and preferably also team leadership.

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Dr Johanna Gascoigne-Owens Head of Research Funding Development ( ) if you would like to discuss the position.

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the person specification as outlined within the job description.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and manage the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) research funding development team.
• Develop a research funding strategy for the Faculty of Medical Sciences working collaboratively with the Faculty Dean of Research, Innovation Institute Deans Head of Faculty Research, and members of the Faculty Research Funding Development Team, and implement this strategy.
• Line‑manage and professionally develop the FMS Research Funding Development Team members and collaborate with professional services colleagues in the Faculty wider University Newcastle Joint Research Office and NHS to ensure synergy and effective smart research services.
• Work with your team members and relevant stakeholders to maximise research awards across the Faculty of Medical Sciences in fundamental research, experimental medicine and translational research by gathering and sharing funding information and intelligence, developing and maintaining relationships with key funders, delivering funding information and training, providing personalised support for large and complex applications and linking with other professional teams to ensure a seamless and smart service.
• Identify areas where the University has competitive advantage, analyse and evaluate relevant funding streams and strategically match these opportunities to relevant groups/individuals to deliver against the Faculty and University research agenda and manage selection of appropriate proposals where needed.
• Ensure that research funding proposals are of the highest quality to maximise success rates by interpreting and advising on funder, University and NHS policy and requirements, advising on proposal content and presentation, engaging with research leaders for internal peer review, developing and delivering funding workshops, training and mock interviews, sharing guidance documents and arranging visits to key funders.
• Support researchers in the identification of funding for early stages of experimental medicine and translational development to move ideas and solutions towards clinical and commercial use, coordinating multi‑organisation multi‑centre projects with clinicians, NHS partner Trusts, industrial partners and University units.
• Work in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service, NIHR Research Delivery Network, Newcastle Health Research Partnership (NHRP) and Clinical Trials Units as appropriate.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Comprehensive understanding of the research lifecycle for fundamental research, experimental medicine and translational research.
• Knowledge and experience of the national research funding landscape and strategy relevant to higher education and the NHS.
• Well‑established knowledge of research funding agencies and funding streams preferably in the medical sciences.
• Experience of managing the preparation of complex research funding applications involving a range of parties across multiple organisations to tight deadlines.
• Experience of line‑management and (desirable) team leadership.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and persuade individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including senior levels, within the University and externally.
• Ability to build relationships with external funding bodies on behalf of the University.
• Proven ability to approach issues from a strategic perspective.
• Ability to recognise the range of skills present and needed in a team and draw on these to deliver the best possible outcome.
• Excellent oral and written communication in high‑pressure situations.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience within a professional setting.
• Significant administrative or management experience in a complex private or public environment demonstrating progression through a series of progressively demanding roles.
• A PhD or other research qualification (desirable).

Salary: 47 389 – 56 535 per annum

Requisition ID: 29030

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1

Key Skills

• Anti Money Laundering
• Arabic Speaking
• Marketing Communication
• Accounts Administration
• Food & Beverage Service
• AC Maintenance