Deputy Head of Research Grants

Post Title: Deputy Head of Research Grants

SBU/Department: Office of the Vice Chancellor, Research Office 

FTE: 1 fte (working 37 hours per week) 

Duration of Contract: Permanent  

Salary: UH8 £44,263pa to £46,974pa with potential to progress to £56,021 by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience 

Annual Leave: 30 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: Bishops Square, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield 

The University of Hertfordshire has a growing reputation in research, having risen 21 places in the recent REF 2021 rankings for research excellence, with 78% of our research ranked as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*); in addition, research income is increasing year on year and is now in the region of £11m per annum.

The Research Grants Team of the Research Office (RGT) provides strategic and operational support to the University in applying for and winning external research funding from a range of external sponsors. 

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Research Grants to work closely with the Head of Research Grants in developing and delivering a responsive and efficient central research grants and funding support service.  This is a new and senior role. The post-holder will have day-to-day line management responsibility for professional staff in the Team and will also support researchers with proposal development.  The ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with people from many disciplines and at all levels of seniority within and outside the university is essential. Opportunities for professional development will be provided. The University currently operates flexible location principles, and the successful applicant will be able to work remotely as well as collaboratively on campus.

Main duties & responsibilities 

You will act as a university specialist in all matters relating to research funding, assisting researchers with research applications, ensuring full compliance with internal and external requirements. A key responsibility will be supervision of the staff in the Research Grants Team, managing workload allocations, supervising, coaching, and overseeing professional development and training. 

Skills and experience required 

You will have in-depth knowledge of the external research and innovation funding environment and have proven experience of supporting applications to a wide range of funders.  The ability to network, build and maintain strong internal and external relationships is essential, as are excellent planning and prioritisation skills.

Qualifications required 

Educated with a Degree or equivalent, or significant proven professional work experience Postgraduate qualification is desirable.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

We regret that we are unable to offer UKVI sponsorship for this post; applicants will either hold UK Right to Work, or demonstrate access to UK Right to Work, before an offer is made.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: 

Annalisa Francesca Jones, Head of Research Grants, [email protected]

Closing Date: 30 May 2024

Interview date:  To be confirmed

Reference Number: 059355

Date advert placed: 16 May 2024

Our vision is to transform lives: UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of their protected characteristics, and recognise there are different ways applicants may achieve the criteria in this document. We offer a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave, flexible location opportunities within the UK, discounted Sports Village memberships and free Active Staff sessions, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts