Research Grant and Academic Development

The main duties of a

Research Grant and Academic Development

a) Research grant development Leading on a portfolio of research funding applications, providing pro-active and comprehensive pre-award research funding support by reviewing application guidance issued by research funders, advising researchers on their applications for funding (including research budgets) and performing administrative and quality assurance checks on applications prior to submission, including providing feedback when required. Take a lead on promoting awareness and understanding sources of external research funding among Trust staff, monitoring bid activity levels and building effective relationships across the Trust. Deliver training to staff in relation to funding bids and related activities. This will include the delivery of information briefing sessions on key funders, schemes, and funding opportunities. Leading on a portfolio of grant applications, ensuring that all applications for research funding are fully costed and priced. Act as a central coordination point for grant development timelines, internal approvals, and partner contributions. Liaise with appropriate teams (e.g. finance, legal teams) to ensure budgets, compliance, and due diligence requirements are met. Support reporting requirements by assisting with narrative sections of interim and final reports, where appropriate. Maintain accurate records of submissions, outcomes, and funder feedback. Leading on the drafting of non-scientific elements of research grant proposals, as required. To develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of the functioning and requirements of key funders. This includes, but is not limited to, knowledge of grant application systems and grant allocation methods. Contribute to the review, development and improvement of pre-award procedures and systems to facilitate efficient and effective pre-award support, innovating to improve the service provided. Maintain annual grants calendar to include new applications and reporting deadlines. Work with finance to gather information necessary to report to corporate/foundation funders on current grant programmes. Comply with all grant reporting as required by foundation/corporate donors. Write applications that display meticulous grammar and spelling. Maintain current records in database and in paper files, including grant tracking and reporting. If requested, to submit progress report to organisations that have funded the programme. Coordinate inputs from multiple contributors, ensuring consistency, clarity, and compliance with funder requirements. Proactively maintain a pipeline of funding opportunities aligned with organisational priorities, including horizon scanning and funder intelligence. Develop and maintain core grant materials (e.g. boilerplate text, CV templates, organisational statements, impact narratives). Act as a central coordination point for grant development timelines, internal approvals, and partner contributions. Assist with other fundraising projects as requested. b) Research academics Provide hands-on support to colleagues in drafting, structuring, editing, and refining journal articles for peer-reviewed publication. Advise on journal selection, authorship conventions, submission requirements, and responding to reviewer comments. Support, and lead on where appropriate, the development of editorials, policy briefs, commentaries, and impact pieces alongside academic papers. Help ensure consistency of tone, clarity of argument, and adherence to reporting standards (e.g. CONSORT, PRISMA, COREQ, where relevant). Provide writing mentorship to staff at different career stages, including early-career researchers and practitioner-authors. Contribute to the development of an organisational writing culture that values the development of publications that can augment the domestic and international profile of the organisation and enhance its research funding opportunities. Support the translation of research findings into accessible outputs for policy, practice, and public audiences. Assist with impact statements, case studies, and narratives for funders, assessments, and organisational reports. Work with communications teams to align academic outputs with wider dissemination strategies. Undertake other duties as required by the role or as identified by the line manager, adopting a flexible and proactive approach