University of Leicester
Pre-Award and Contracts Officer

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Vacancy ID: 13473 Location: Hybrid Working School/Division: Research and Enterprise Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, permanent Salary details: Grade 7 - £39,906 to £46,049 per annum, pro-rata if part-time Advert closes midnight on: 18 Oct 2026
About the role
Join our Research & Enterprise Division and play a vital role in supporting high-quality research across the University. As a Pre-Award & Contracts Officer, you will manage a portfolio of research applications, awards, and contracts, providing expert advice on funder rules, costing, compliance; and enabling collaboration through drafting, reviewing, and negotiating of contracts.
You’ll work closely with academics, professional services, funders, and external partners ensuring projects are competitive, compliant, and aligned with University policy.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About you
This role is ideal for someone experienced in HE research administration, confident interpreting complex terms, and motivated by working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
If you’re detail-focused, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Trudie Wardle at ta16@leicester.ac.uk
Applications for job share will be considered
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.


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As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students, and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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