Job reference: SAE-032594
Salary: £33,662 - £37,369 per annum, depending on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: FSE Research & Business Services
Hours Per Week: 35 hours per week/ 1 FTE
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 19/11/2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
School/Directorate: Faculty Office - Science and Engineering

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Support Officer. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s Professional Services Research Services team, delivering high-quality support to academics and researchers throughout the funding lifecycle, from application development and award mobilisation to ongoing award management. Working collaboratively with academic and professional services colleagues, the postholder will manage a portfolio of research activity that supports the University in attracting research talent and income, delivering high-quality research, and maximising the impact of research outcomes, within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

  • Managing a portfolio of research projects and providing a responsive support service to researchers.
  • Preparing accurate project costings and budgets and advising researchers on funding requirements.
  • Coordinating with external partners to obtain accurate and timely information for funding proposals.
  • Supporting reporting, assurance and data-quality requirements.
  • Working flexibly across the wider research support service to meet changing priorities and maintain service continuity.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

  • Broad understanding of the research administration lifecycle
  • Experience of working within regulations and procedures
  • Strong numeracy skills, with accuracy and attention to detail and the ability to complete complex calculations and present financial data
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, build networks and communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external contacts
  • Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise varied work in a busy environment and manage competing deadlines

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

(Grades 1-5)

  • Generous employer pension contribution
  • Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
  • Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Katie Powell

Email Address: katie.powell@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.


Take a look around the company https://www.manchester.ac.uk/