Research Support Officer at The University of Sheffield

Overview

Academic research is at the heart of The University of Sheffield’s core activities. We are in the top 10% of UK Universities for research, with globally recognised research strengths. Research outputs and outcomes of the highest quality and significance are the bedrock of our academic reputation. To achieve this, we strive to advance our distinctive and high-quality research capabilities to ensure we are well-positioned to exploit emerging and future research opportunities. 

Research support in the Science Faculty is provided by two hub teams who work with researchers across three schools. You will support and assist with a variety of research support activities, including costings and applications, responding to queries, collaborating closely with other Professional Service teams, and maintaining data. You will also contribute to University initiatives to share best practices and foster continual improvement. We are looking for someone proactive and flexible; pragmatic and solutions-focused; has excellent attention to detail; and strong customer service skills.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Application development support, including but not limited to undertaking routine costings; providing advice on funder guidance and eligibility; fielding queries & troubleshooting; advising on the application process; transferring data to funder submission systems and platforms (TFS, EU portal, etc.).
• Manage and maintain databases and pipelines that contribute to key university processes and monitor pre-award research grant activity, including applications, Fellowships, and equipment.
• Act as a first point of contact and assist with funding-related queries, helping to identify and maximise response to funding opportunities, including working directly with individual academics to identify appropriate funding schemes, as well as assisting with the organisation and support of research-related events. 
• Support grant applications and quality review, including organising Faculty Sift/ Peer Review Panels, one-off individual Faculty peer reviews and mock interview panels, including setup of panels with various expertise, collating a database with mock interview questions, providing support to the panels, and collating feedback for applicants.
• Contribute to the smooth handover and set up of successful grants, working with colleagues in the Pricing and Contracts Teams from Research, Partnerships and Innovation, and Faculty Finance as appropriate.
• Collaborate with other members of the Research Support Hub to systematically organise and update data and materials on the Hub’s Shared Drive, while aligning with GDPR requirements for data protection and the University’s own Retention Policy.
• Maintain close links with colleagues in Research, Partnerships and Innovation, and other Professional Services staff to ensure processes are aligned with University requirements, e.g., ethics, open access, data management, and grant transfers.
• Production of and distribution of support materials, including developing and maintaining a research bid library by working with colleagues in the Research Hub and in the Faculty of Science Research Growth Teams.
• Develop and maintain the Faculty Research Intranet Portal.
• Run routine reports to enable, for example, monitoring grant application rates as well as to assist with queries regarding the data included in systems such as Academic Metrics, e.g., by ensuring costings in the Costing & Awards Tool are on the correct status.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.