University of Cambridge
Research Development Advisor
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Contracts Available
1 x Permanent
1 x Fixed Term - Maternity Cover for 12 months or until return of the post holder
The Research Office welcomes applications for Research Development Advisors to join the Cambridge Research Office.
As part of established teams, the post-holders will provide proactive research support to drive high-quality funding applications. Working closely with research-focused colleagues across the respective Schools, you will support researchers and their Departments in the preparation, costing, and review of research bids, with a significant aspect of the role focused on costing and compliance. You will provide advice and guidance on various operational aspects of grant applications, including eligibility of the applicant(s), adherence to the rules of the funding call, and accurate costing. You will note any discrepancies between the application and costing, and work with Departmental staff and Principal Investigators to resolve these before the funder deadline. You will identify and help mitigate risk, help ensure compliance with University and funder policies, submit research grants to funders, and liaise with external parties as appropriate.
Key skills and attributes required for this role include strong numerical and communication skills, as well as attention to detail. Excellent organizational skills, along with the abilities to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and to build networks and effective working relationships, are essential for the role. To thrive in this fast-paced and deadline-driven operational role, you will need to be able to work independently, with the ability to prioritize workloads as well as managing tight deadlines.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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.
Prior knowledge and experience of research support activities in Higher Education would be advantageous but is not essential, as full and detailed training will be provided.
The successful applicants will develop a deep understanding of the administrative support required across a complex research landscape. You will be supported to take on varied responsibilities alongside the core requirements of the role, including assisting the Research Development Manager with the delivery of a staff development program, supporting training for both Departmental and Research Office staff.
The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This role requires onsite attendance at Greenwich House for a minimum of two days per week, further details of which should be discussed with the recruiting manager during the interview process.
There are two roles available, a permanent position, and the other to cover maternity leave which will be time-limited to 12 months or until the current post-holder returns.
Applications are welcome for the fixed-term position from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University, but we ask you to please discuss this potential secondment opportunity with your current line manager prior to applying and ensure that approval is provided to undertake this opportunity beforehand.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please see the Further Particulars document for more details of this vacancy. Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based on these criteria.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
The closing date is Sunday, 13th September 2026. Interviews will be held w/c 21st September 2026.
Questions about the application process should be addressed to the Research Office Recruitment team at crorecruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference EW50881 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills