Job Description
Job Description Main Purpose of the JobIncreasing the chance of success of bids through proactive engagement with the scientists, providing information on grant opportunities and calls for proposals and targeting applications to appropriate sponsors. The post holder will add value to submissions through providing quality assistance and expert advice on the application; developing informed project budgets matching the science project work with the resource needs; advising on style, format, general content, writing justifications and management sections, have a keen attention to detail and proof reading to 'polish' the final submission and ensuring submission deadlines are met.Key RelationshipsThis post will lead on the support of a specific customer base of research leaders, alongside the other Research Grant Managers in the team.Main Activities & ResponsibilitiesLead on the management of all grant submissions for a specific ‘customer base’ on behalf of John Innes Centre, Earlham Institute, The Sainsbury Laboratory and The Quadram Institute Bioscience. This will require compliance with the rules of the external funding organisation and policies and procedures of the submitting institute. The post will add value to submissions through:• Providing quality assistance and expert advice on the application• Developing informed project budgets matching the science project work with the resource need• Advising on style, format, general content, writing justifications and management sections• Having a keen attention to detail and proof reading to 'polish' the final submission and ensuring submission deadlines are met. The post will ensure that the Institutes are accepting research projects on a sustainable basis with appropriate contribution towards the fEC costs. The post holder will assess the risks to the Institutes in accepting certain contractual terms (liability indemnity, profile of payments, matching funds), and where issues or conflicts arise suggesting ways to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level before proceeding. Ensuring ‘freedom to operate’.Professional proactive post award project management of large and varied portfolio of awarded projects. The post holder will:• Work with the scientists throughout the life cycle of the grant, being proactive addressing issues and managing best outcomes.• Acting as a facilitator for sponsor interaction and advising on problems as they arise.• Able to devise varied solutions to complex problems that require consideration of diverse, conflicting or specialist information.• Provide advice and assist with the preparation and submission of reports to sponsors to provide the best account of science outputs and maximise income recovery.• Ensuring report submission deadlines are met.• Liaison with HR and Finance on contractual matters using best practice to facilitate efficient contractual management.Assisting and advising scientific and Institute staff on contractual matters such as Collaboration Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements and Confidentiality Agreements. This will include drafting and negotiating such agreements.As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post. Person Profile Education & QualificationsRequirementBachelors degree or equivalent in a science disciplinePhD or other post graduate qualificationSpecialist Knowledge & SkillsRequirementAbility to assimilate information from a wide variety of sourcesAble to work independently within a broad framework and with minimal supervisionGood prioritisation and multi-tasking skillsAbility to manage a diverse portfolio of grants Ability to deliver to tight deadlines under pressureHighly numerate with experience of developing budgets for research contractsProficient with standard office PC applicationsRelevant ExperienceRequirementProven track record of grant administration in a Research Office at a Research Institute or a Higher Education InstitutionRecent track record of developing successful grant applications with a variety of sponsors including research councils, EU and UK Government agenciesExperience of drafting and negotiating research contractsInterpersonal & Communication SkillsRequirementAbility to learn quickly and handle complex ideasClear logical approach to problem solvingAbility to produce clear concise document draftsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well in a team and build good working relationships with colleaguesAbility to take initiative and proactively promote ideas and conceptsAdditional RequirementsRequirementAttention to detailAbility to undertake occasional travel Promotes equality and values diversityWillingness to work outside standard working hours when required Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work