The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
Organisation position and purpose
The role is embedded within the Research and Innovation Department, which is made up of a range of diverse, dynamic, responsive, and professional support and enabling teams.
The R&I Department provides dedicated, specialist support throughout the research and innovation ecosystem and lifecycle, helping to sustain, facilitate, enable and advance Pirbright’s position and culture as a leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock.
As the Research Support Manager at The Pirbright Institute you will be an essential member of the Grants team, providing dedicated and expert support across the grant life-cycle, but with an emphasis on post-award support. By cultivating a deep understanding of our research priorities and strategic objectives, you will work to actively ensure robust management of the grant portfolio, navigating the funding landscape and requirements, and matching this to internal processes and assurances.
In this role you will act as the linchpin between operational teams with regards to grant related activities and requirements, supporting efficient communications and information sharing between R&I and other key departments, in particular Finance and Human Resources.
You will also play a leading role in reporting, data management and analytics, supporting the R&I Department with a variety of internal and external reporting requirements, providing data and insights relating to the funded portfolio at Pirbright.
You will provide formal management support to at least one Science Administrator, and you will support the development of other administrative colleagues through mentorship and as appropriate day to day supervision. You will have a continuous improvement mindset and approach, ensuring personal growth and development as well as development of others, to help foster excellence within and across critical enabling functions that allow our researchers to do great science. In addition, as part of the Grants team you will play a pivotal role in empowering our researchers, providing them with the support and guidance to secure grant income and successfully manage research projects.
Through your guidance, you will bolster the capabilities of our bioscience workforce, nurturing talent at every career stage and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Grants Management, Funder Relations and Compliance:
- Provide support for the development and management of the Institute’s funded research portfolio.
- Act as the driving force for the implementation of internal grants management processes (pre- and post-award), working at the interface between science and operational staff numbers and value of awards.
- Serve as a funder portal expert (pre and post award), ensuring compliance with funder requirements across the grant life cycle, such as eligibility, costings, and terms & conditions.
- Manage funder registration and act as the key point of contact for funder queries.
- Develop and continually improve internal processes to ensure delivery against funder requirements.
- Implement these processes across the grant lifecycle and provide solutions-driven management for complex project changes.
- Provide support for post-award management, including internal PI meetings, project changes, and non-financial reporting.
Internal Review and Stakeholder Management:
- Act as the key point of contact for grants management queries, both internally and externally.
- Manage communication between departments, serving as an interface between Finance, HR, and other sections of the R&I Department.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Utilize data analytics to analyze the funded portfolio and generate departmental reports.
Team Management and Development:
- Manage at least one Science Administrator and provide support to other Science Administrators and the Grants Administrator. Providing guidance, day to day supervision and mentoring to ensure the efficient provision of administrative support to the science directorate.
Due to the nature of the work we do, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
- A degree level qualification in science, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues internally and externally at all levels of seniority.
- Evidence of networking, influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to build effective collaborative relationships.
- Evidence of analyzing users’ needs and providing the information required.
- Demonstrable ability to work independently or as part of a team, with experience in mentoring and supporting peers and more junior staff.
- Evidence of excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience of working in an academic or research environment.
- A knowledge and understanding of research funders, their policies and procedures.
- Project management qualification or experience.
- Previous line management experience.
What we offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
- Cycle to work
- Subsidised employee restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric car charging facilities
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.