Research Funding Development Manager (Cancer Research)

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Overview

Research Partnerships and Innovation (RPI) supports agreed University, Faculty, and School priorities for research and innovation: income generation, research excellence, PGR experience, partnership development, and knowledge exchange leading to income and/or impact and commercialisation of IP and student enterprise. Our focus is on delivering professional, value-add advice and support to our community of researchers and innovators. We are a well-connected team which understands the priorities of the organisation and our external stakeholders and customers and the external environment in which we operate. Team members collaborate, reflect, develop their skills, and have a risk-appropriate mindset of continuous improvement to our processes, policy, and approach.

The Research Funding Development (RFD) team has a key role in developing and implementing strategies to optimise research income and develop the funding track record of academics who work in or contribute to research aligned to the University's research strengths, whilst also managing funder or University requirements.

You will have a vital role in supporting research funding development in the University and will play an important part in supporting the development and strengthening of the University's cancer-related research portfolio. You will build in-depth knowledge of the cancer research area, understand the specific requirements for funding development, and work with the academic community relevant to this priority. You will recommend suitable approaches, seeking consistency where possible, and be able to plan and deliver a range of activities with expertise.

We are looking for a motivated individual who thrives in a highly collaborative environment. You will have the flexibility to tailor your approach to the needs of a priority and as such, you will require a broad understanding of research funding development as a basis to continuously develop your expertise and confidence to deliver specialist support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team.

The Focus of this role

To support University aspirations for research income grown in cancer research by:

• Developing support plans for specific priorities, appropriate to the priority.
• Proportionate implementation, including when responding to funder or University requirements.

Typical Deliverables Will Include

• Design, management, coordination, and delivery of two priority funding schemes run in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research, across faculties, and considering risks and restrictions of the funding.
• Contribute to priority identification and development utilising a depth of knowledge and understanding of opportunities in cancer research, the capacity to respond, and what would be required for a successful outcome.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsibility for the design, management, and delivery of two priority funding schemes, run in partnership with an external charitable funder - Yorkshire Cancer Research.
• Work closely with senior research leaders, academic cancer research theme leads, and the Cancer Research Strategy Manager, utilising own expertise to facilitate the broader growth and implementation of cancer-related research across the University.
• Relationship management between Yorkshire Cancer Research and the University of Sheffield.
• Develop and deliver expert advice and communications to researchers on cancer-related funding opportunities, the development of research income, and the funder application processes.
• Lead the organisation of university peer-review for the priority schemes, facilitate researcher engagement, and work closely with the academic applicants, advising on scheme fit, eligibility, how to develop a funding application to maximise success, and what funders are looking for.
• Provide operational support to the Cancer Research Oversight Board who oversee the University cancer research strategy and delivery of research funding.
• Undertake a regular, ongoing review and reflection on the schemes’ operation and processes, to continuously improve practice.
• In collaboration with the Cancer Research Strategy Manager, explore and develop themes related to cancer research, organize workshops, sandpits, information sessions, and other networking events as appropriate.
• Work with colleagues to provide financial and/or thematic information reporting on applications and awards for funder requirements, institutional performance, and for strategy planning purposes.
• Contribute to university/faculty/department meetings to share information about cancer-related applications and projects funded through the schemes.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.