Research Grants and Contracts Manager

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Job Description

Research Grants and Contracts Manager () - Open Ended/Permanent, Full Time. Closing Date: 15-Feb-2026.

About the University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things enables professional and personal excellence.

Department and Role

The Research Operations Team is part of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) and provides comprehensive support to academic and PSS colleagues throughout the lifecycle of a research project. As a Research Grants and Contracts Manager within the pre award team, you will play a key role in supporting and developing externally funded research grant activity, providing high quality support and advice to academic staff in the preparation, submission and contractual negotiation of research grants and awards.

Key Responsibilities

• Project manage the submission process of the bid, including budget development and seeking internal approvals.
• Work closely with the Research Development team on strategic funding opportunities.
• Review applications for regulatory and funder compliance.
• Ensure timely acceptance of successful awards, including contract negotiation and completion of all ethical and due diligence checks.
• Collaborate with post award and contracting colleagues to ensure accurate project information is captured in the central project management system.
• Deliver training and information events.
• Prioritise a busy and varied workload, working across multiple concurrent projects at different stages of development.
• Communicate effectively with the Operations Team, Research Development Team, Faculty Officials, Heads of Department, Directors of Research, Department Managers and other Professional Support staff.

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant experience of supporting grant applications, preferably within an HEI environment.
• Degree level education (or equivalent experience).
• Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise in delivering and developing services within an organisation.
• Experience of implementing policies and procedures, supporting change and service improvements.
• Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including senior staff.
• Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share good practice and develop relationships.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Strong digital competence across Microsoft 365, project or research management systems (e.g. Worktribe).
• Committed to continuing professional development.
• Knowledge of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.
• Problem solving and decision making skills.
• Ability to prioritise work to meet demanding deadlines.
• Attention to detail and accuracy under pressure.
• Understanding of costing and pricing methodologies.
• Experience of negotiating research contracts.

Application Instructions

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria in the person specification. Submit:

• A CV.
• A short covering letter explaining your interest in the role.
• A grid or table listing each criterion and how you meet it, providing evidence from previous experience or qualifications.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days - a total of 42 days per year.
• Generous pension scheme - automatically enrolled in the University Superannuation Scheme.
• Parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
• Professional development - a wide range of courses, apprenticeships and qualification routes.
• Health and wellbeing support, including discounted gym membership and access to a 24 7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Outstanding on site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5 16.
• Generous family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave.
• Opportunities for volunteering activities.
• Exclusive discounts via our benefits portal (supermarkets, retailers, IT products, meals and attractions).
• Salary wage savings schemes.
• Support for relocation to Durham and visa costs if applicable.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from under represented groups, including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We actively work to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff and students.