Rutherford Cross is seeking a talented individual to be the main point of contact and support for a number of academic Principal Investigators across the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Glasgow. This will include application and costing support, monthly project reporting, and post-award project tracking.

The University of Glasgow is an industry leader ranked in the top 1% of universities globally. Established in 1451, Britain’s fourth oldest university currently employs over 6,000 individuals and is home to students from over 140 countries. Carrying a global reputation, it is a member of Britain’s leading Russell Group of universities.

The College of Science and Engineering is made of up seven academic schools, undertaking world leading research. The college generates annual research income in excess of £30m and aims to address fundamental global needs in science and engineering, creating the emerging technologies to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century. The post holder will work as part of the College Research Support team which has a research and commercial business portfolio of nearly £160m across over 900 active research projects.

Job Purpose:

To undertake pre- and post-award research management, including application and costing support in addition to post award project tracking and reporting, functioning as the point of contact and support for academic research leads. Liaise with other teams including the College Research Support Office and University Services to ensure effective communication and seamless research management support is provided. Work with fellow college Project Coordinators to contribute to college-wide research management support, as well as interdisciplinary activity between colleges and with external partners.

The University of Glasgow represents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious newly-qualified or part-qualified professional and exposes the successful individual to the unique environment of a Higher Education body. In addition, the University will provide a firm career platform with future opportunities for professional development and progression within the organisation.

This opportunity sits in an advanced research environment, closely supporting projects that break new ground in science and engineering, both through fundamental discovery and the development of new technologies that have the potential to change our understanding of the world.

The Opportunity:

• Provide pre- and post-award advice and support to academic Principal Investigators, including application development, risk assessment and mitigation, costing, milestone planning and post-award reporting and financial management
• Work with College research development staff to identify and actively manage the flow of funding opportunities
• Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with key funders and provide expert advice
• Undertake risk and feasibility assessment of funding applications, mitigating risk and optimising funding
• Coordinate, plan, priorities and execute costing, application and submission activities for grants and contracts, resulting in robust applications for submission to funders
• Progress application outcomes and process awards from funders, updating project data and systems accordingly
• Provide post-award support, including financial management, project co-ordination and project change processes and control
• Support funder and other audits, maintaining adequate audit records
• Provide management information and analyse data to inform decision-making and the college research budgeting and strategy
• Network across the college and share best practice, web resources and training
• Ensure that the College maintains an accurate and complete record of staff publications
• Work with Research Support Administrators, delegating tasks as appropriate and providing support and coaching to ensure effectiveness

The Candidate:

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline/business area with evidence of continued professional development relevant to the role
• Full or part professional qualification in Accounting, Business Management or equivalent. e.g. CA, ACCA, ACMA, MBA highly advantageous
• Project management – both short-term and longer term, involving multiple conflicting deadlines and coordination across different organisational units
• Experience of preparing costing models and tracking budgets
• Experience of successfully overseeing the work of staff
• Experience of processing, analysing and presenting data
• Experience of working in a customer focused, complex organisation would be desirable
• Ability to assess risks and financial implications
• Ability to prepare reports and budgets in line with set requirements
• High degree of numeracy
• Excellent eye for detail and accuracy
• High level of influencing and negotiating skills
• Highly developed IT skills, particularly database and Excel related
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to network effectively
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What to do Next

Salary is in the range of £30K - £40K, with a very attractive pension and holiday package. To apply or for further information please contact our consultant Iain Johnston at either [email protected] or 01416117770.