Research Development Coordinator

Job Summary

The Research Office is seeking an enthusiastic individual to provide the proactive co-ordination of research funding opportunities and development of research funding proposals.

Well organised and self-motivated, you'll be able to work both independently on your own initiative, and effectively as part of a small team. You'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of full economic costing and will have a working knowledge of a variety of databases/management information systems. Ideally, you'll also have experience of project management and working in an academic environment.

This role is pivotal to energizing our research culture as part of the revised Research Strategy that launched in 2022.  The role holder would join the RGU Research Office that supports academic staff to obtain research funding within one of four themes: Environment, Energy and Sustainability; Living in a Digital World; Health and Wellbeing and Inclusive and Creative Societies.

Our research is focused on addressing some of the major societal and environmental challenges of our time, from work on the energy transition and sustainability through to issues of health and well-being. As a University we are in the business of changing lives through impactful research and by developing students into highly employable graduates. This is your opportunity to be part of that amazing journey and join our 1600 colleagues who already enjoy the vibrant community.

For further information please contact Grant Davidson, Head of Research Strategy, Culture and Performance. g.davidson6@rgu.ac.uk

 

 

Job Description

RESPONSIBLE TO: Research Development and Impact Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: No supervisory responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: To contribute to the University’s research strategy by providing an excellent support service to our academic staff through a proactive co-ordination of research funding opportunities and development of research funding proposals.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Develop comprehensive understanding of RGU academic expertise
• Assist academic colleagues in identifying external research funding opportunities
• Co-ordinate the development of applications and the internal approvals process for research applications and awards.
• Prepare costings for projects and maintain information of funding body requirements
• Act as liaison point for external research bodies
• Develop external relationships with potential research collaborators of strategic significance such as NHS Grampian, Scottish Government, Local Authorities etc.
• Provide guidance on University policies and procedures in relation to research
• Provide routine management reporting of research activities
• Assist on specific projects in relation to research development
• Undertake any other relevant duties which are consistent with the job purpose or as directed by the line manager

 

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Qualified to degree/Masters level or equivalent

Knowledge

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, working effectively as part of a team.

Excellent organisational skills, able to prioritise workload to meet tight or conflicting deadlines.

Good working knowledge of MS Office suite to analyse data and produce reports.

Ability to analyse complex information to support management in decision-making.

Working knowledge of databases / management information systems.

 

Experience

Experience of project management

Experience of working with budgets/costings 

Experience of presenting complex information in simple terms to a variety of audiences 

Experience of working within internal processes and/or external compliance regulations 

 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications 

Qualified to degree/Masters level or equivalent

Knowledge

Knowledge of HE policies and procedures

Knowledge research funding landscape, research assessment (REF) and Open Access

Understanding of full economic costing

Experience

Experience in costing research projects and/or of the research funding landscape

Experience in an academic environment

Experience in data analysis to inform decision-making

Experience of Worktribe

 

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner. Ability to receive, understand and convey information requiring careful explanation and information of a complex or conceptual nature, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Analysis and Research - Experience of identifying or designing data gathering and analytical methods appropriate for each investigation, and producing reports that identify key issues and findings

Behaviour 3: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner, working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships and leading and developing internal networks to pursue a shared interest

Behaviour 4: Initiative and Problem Solving - Experience of using initiative and creativity to resolve problems, identifying practical and suitable solutions.