Rutherford Cross is seeking a high calibre individual to support academic Principal Investigators and manage a team of Research Support Administrators across the College of Science & Engineering at the University of Glasgow. This position encompasses application development, costing, and post-award analysis. It includes managing research administration activities to support the co-ordination of College-wide research management activity and the development of College research strategy.

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 support academic Principal Investigators across the College during the lifespan of research awards, including pre- and post-award phases. Provide application and costing support, in addition to post-award coordination. Manage a team of Research Support Administrators across the College, ensuring quick response and adaptability. Lead support for complex and strategic applications & awards, upholding the college’s best interests. Liaise with University Services Research Support Office staff and provide research administration activities to support the co-ordination of College-wide research management activity and the development of College research strategy.

The University of Glasgow represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced 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 ambitious 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 specialist 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.
• Line Manage and flexibly deploy a team of Research Support Administrators (normally around 5), to ensure that Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator’s requirements are met efficiently and effectively
• Assist in the training and coaching of new Project Coordinators and provide guidance on more complex projects
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with funders, taking the role of key contact and provide expert advice to prospective applicants
• Liaise with College research development staff and University Services Research Support Office regarding funding opportunities and requirements
• Coordinate, plan, priorities and execute costing, application and submission activities for grants and contracts, resulting in robust applications for submission to funders
• Act as a Project Coordinator on more complex projects, including processing awards from funders, undertaking post-award reporting and project management and providing information to Contracts Specialists. Produce audit records for regulatory or funder audits where required
• Provide management information and analyse data to inform decision-making and for college research budgeting and strategy
• Build networks, share best practice and inform the development of web based resources and training across colleges
• Oversee the work of the Research Support Office Administrators, providing support and coaching
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of systems and procedures to ensure continuous improvement within the College Research Support Office, including investigating specific issues and developing systems, processes and procedures to resolve such issues
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure the accurate and complete record of staff publications on the University systems

The Candidate:

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline/business area
• Professional qualification in Accounting, Business Management or equivalent. e.g. CA, ACCA, ACMA, MBA is highly advantageous
• Project management experience – short term deadline driven and long term with conflicting deadlines
• Experience of preparing costing models and tracking budgets
• Experience of successfully supervising 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 level of influencing and negotiating skills
• Knowledge and understanding of interrogating and maintaining databases
• Highly developed IT skills, particularly database and Excel
• Ability to network effectively
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments

What to do Next

Salary is in the range of £40K - £50K, 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.