Job description

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Research Manager to join the Grantham Institute, working closely with the Director of Operations and Director of Research on the strategic development and management of Institute research activities. This is a broad role that spans the identification of key funding opportunities, developing effective collaborations with stakeholders across academia, government and business, and managing the preparation of high-quality research grant proposals. The role also has responsibility for managing the complex portfolio of funded projects within the Institute. This requires building strong relationships with a variety of funders and partners as well as internal support functions, and excellent financial management.

We are looking for a someone with an in-depth knowledge of Higher Education processes and systems, with experience in research development and project management. You will be flexible and work well as part of a team, have excellent interpersonal and communications skills, and have a keen curiosity about climate change and the environment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Research and other academic staff to develop a research strategy that aligns with the aims and objectives of the Institute.


• Lead and develop the Grantham Affiliates scheme for staff across Imperial.


• Build strategic relationships with funders in the public and private sector.


• Identify relevant funding opportunities, plan and deliver interventions to build interest for larger interdisciplinary proposals, and assist with bid applications.


• Manage the preparation of proposal budgets, ensuring grants are costed appropriately.


• Manage the Grantham Institute’s complex research and innovation portfolio, including pre- and post-award processes.


• Monitor active projects, forecast spend, ensure overheads are on track and resources are allocated appropriately. As required, initiate recruitment processes and manage staff contracts.


• Provide detailed project management support for key high-profile initiatives such as World Weather Attribution.


• Act as primary management contact with the project sponsors.


• Attend meetings and events internally and externally as required to represent and promote the research interests of the Grantham Institute and Imperial.


• Line-manage the research and project administrator.

Essential requirements

• Educated to at least degree level in a relevant discipline or have equivalent experience, with an interest in climate-related issues.


• Experience of managing relationships with researchers, funders and stakeholders in business and government.


• Experience in preparation of bids and/or grant proposals.


• Strong financial and budgetary management experience.


• Experience in managing projects with multiple partners in an academic and/or technical environment.


• Knowledge of the UK HEI environment including common research funders and FEC.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Strategic thinking with an ability to identify new opportunities for research development.


• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and electronic finance / database systems.


• Ability to work well under pressure, to manage competing priorities, deadlines, and a diverse workload.

Further information

This role is full time, fixed term for two years. You will be based at South Kensington Campus.

We would welcome someone on secondment. Please confirm with your line manager before submitting an application.

If you are thinking about applying for this job and want to discuss it further, please contact Grantham Institute Director of Operations Laila Read l.read@imperial.ac.uk

Want help submitting your application? Please visit the Grantham Institute’s Tips on how to submit a successful application.

Find out more about the Community and Culture at the Grantham Institute.

Should you have any queries about the application process, please contact Gosia Gayer, g.gayer@imperial.ac.uk.

Hybrid working may be considered for this role.  Staff working in roles that are suitable for hybrid working will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite. The opportunity for hybrid working will be discussed at interview.

More information is available on the following web page: Work Location Categories (from 30 September 2023) | Administration and support services | Imperial College London

Documents

• Job Description Research Manager.pdf