The University of Manchester
ACE Research Support Manager

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Research Support Manager for the AWE Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE)
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Support Manager for the AWE Actinides Centre of Excellence (ACE).
This role offers an exciting opportunity to help establish the ACE Centre a national hub of collaborative research activity that aims to progress fundamental and low TRL Actinide Science & Innovation, intends to attract and train cohorts of future nuclear talent, and create tomorrow’s Subject Matter Experts.
The Research Support Manager will positively and proactively provide support for the Centre’s research activities, including supporting AWE and the university research community in the development of research partnerships, submission of high-quality research proposals and the successful pursuit of major external funding opportunities.
Due to the nature of this role and the level of security clearance required, applications can only be accepted from British nationals. Clearance is dependent on continuous residence in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading on the research project management and administration of ACE
- Leading and oversee the distribution of devolved funding, including the delivery of ACE funding competitions
- Leading and co-ordinate the preparation process for funding proposals in the nuclear and advanced materials research area
- Member of the ACE Centre’s Management Team, contributing to strategic and operational planning, visions and value and providing effective leadership
- Manage stakeholder relationships with AWE and other external partners, including academia and industry with complementary expertise, with a view to building interdisciplinary consortium bids
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About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- Significant experience of working in a research support or similar service in Higher Education or equivalent environment.
- Experience of working in a customer-focused environment and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Experience of meeting operational requirements, with excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Ability to develop excellent working relationships at all levels across non-academic and academic stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and explain complex issues to a range of audiences.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our Benefits


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- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Sara Lockett
Email Address: sara.lockett@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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