An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and well-organised Research Grants Manager to lead, manage and coordinate a portfolio of research grants in our Joint Research Office for 3 departments in the Faculty of Medicine. Reporting to the Head of Research Post-Award and working closely with departmental managers and administrators you will play a key role in the provision of a professional administrative support services. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals wishing to develop high level administrative skills and a good understanding of university processes, policies, and activities.
The role is the primary point of contact for all academic and research staff within the departments and any arising operational issues. You will have sound financial management of a research portfolio of accounts and mitigate any financial and reputational risk in line with funder terms and conditions, and college policy. In addition, you will engage with academics and department staff with the reconciliation, claiming and invoicing of research awards, along with processing of HR paperwork. You will work closely with colleagues in the Joint Research Office, HR, Finance, and the central Research Office to effectively resolve administrative issues.
The post involves providing excellent advice and guidance to researchers or teams of researchers, dealing with escalated problems, managing the customer interface, and contributing to the development of standard operating procedures and quality assurance.
Your ability to lead and manage a team is essential; and the role is key to the success and financial performance of the Faculty and College. You must be operationally skilled with the ability to distribute, delegate and prioritise effectively and form strong working relationships with staff at all levels in the organisation.
1. To be the lead in terms of expertise on all aspects of post-award grant management, to provide advice and ensure all members of the team develop their knowledge and understanding to grow in confidence by managing more complex accounts.
2. Interpret and identify key reporting financial requirements for all awards in line with funder terms and conditions.
3. Monitor and review workload across all post award activity in conjunction with other post-award managers to ensure critical financial milestones and deadlines are met and work is distributed evenly, as required.
4. Initiate, coordinate and sign off Account Reviews in line with the Post Award Management Policy.
5. Provide a pro-active approach to the research portfolio in terms of monthly exception reporting, award balance management, Work in Progress (WIP) and overheads deviations to maximise research volume and take the appropriate remedial action to ensure the accuracy of data is maintained.
6. Maintain oversight of the research portfolio on a regular basis in conjunction with the claims report management system and activity report via SharePoint.
7. Take ownership of large complex and special projects to support your team in conjunction with your departmental colleagues, to provide training, advice and to delegate when required.
8. Take leadership of the portfolio within your remit to ensure audit deadlines are met, timesheet requirements are achieved, reconciliation of staff costs are complete, partner payments are made, and ensuring financial statements are submitted in a timely manner to internal auditors for certification and via the funder portals, or other.
General Duties
9. To develop and manage the site-based team within the JRO with responsibility for all aspects of staff management and key HR policies to provide a structured support framework.
10. Build strong relationships with both Departmental and Trust based staff along with other Central functions.
11. Provide training, advise and expertise to Department research support teams through presentations and regular meetings to continually improve interface and communication.
12. To ensure, in liaison with Human Resources, that staff are recruited and financed properly.
13. To achieve the strategic intent, goals and objectives of the JRO.
14. Team training
15. Deliver continuous professional development across the team, being proactive in response to new funder requirements and systems.
Other Duties
16. To be responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, up-to-date and complete.
17. To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations
18. To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles
19. Substantial experience in Research Administration in the Higher Education Sector, NHS or similar
20. A thorough knowledge of all aspects of research grants and contracts in Higher Education, including a comprehensive knowledge of commercial research requirements as well as legislation and rules in relation to clinical research in NHS
21. A good understanding of Full Economic Costing requirements and TRAC methodology
22. Leadership skills – effective delegation, performance management, ability to motivate and coach a team.
23. A concern for detail, accuracy, and professionalism
24. Proven ability to identify and advise on the risks associated from complex grants and contracts.
25. Financial management skills and the understanding of related finance processes
26. Highly skilled in financially related IT software
27. Ability to think creatively to find viable solutions.
28. Ability and experience to develop and implement business processes.
29. Proven ability to develop and maintain excellent customer relationships at a senior level.
30. Strong inter-personal skills, being a team player with the ability to influence people.
31. Systems management and the ability to contribute to project work in this area.
32. Ability to contribute to growth and development of Research Office policy and to represent Faculty views as appropriate.
33. We are a very friendly team that enjoys social gatherings
34. Offering you the chance to work closely with our colleagues in the departments and with some of the world’s best academics and leaders in their field of research’
35. This is a full-time and open-ended based at various campuses including St Mary's, Hammersmith and South Kensington.