Overview
We are looking for two candidates: one for an open-ended appointment, and another on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role will involve addressing system-wide challenges related to research funding. Key areas of focus may include, enhancing incentives for expert review participation, managing application volumes, promoting flexible and project-appropriate leadership models, and exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in funding processes.
Role details
- Salary: £45,272 per annum
- Hours: Full Time / Part Time (Min 0.8 FTE)
- Contract Type: 1x Open Ended & 1x Fixed Term Contract (12 Months Open to Secondments)
- Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available)
- Band: E
- Closing Date: Monday 1st September 2025
Responsibilities
- Gathering, collating and analysing information from a variety of sources to inform, scope and manage effective funding policy development and implementation
- Drafting a range of written documents containing proposals and recommendations including policy papers for various senior UKRI Boards and Committees
- Working closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders to ensure that policies and processes are fit for purpose and achieve the optimum balance between policy and process harmonisation and user specific interventions
- Bringing perspectives from research organisations to develop and implement policies across UKRI, and embed them to improve research culture and address system wide issues
- Working closely with the research community to implement policy changes
- Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with individuals in each of the nine Councils and appropriately engaging key external stakeholders in developments (e.g. Research Organisation Consultation Group (ROCG), Cabinet Office, DSIT, ARMA etc.)
- Providing support and deputising for the Policy Leads and Associate Director in their leadership and reporting roles including representation at internal and external groups, networks and events
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience of research administration and strategy development with excellent understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape(S & I)
- Previous experience of developing and implementing funding policy or strategy within research organisation or funder(S & I)
- Demonstrable strategic thinking, with ability to think creatively to develop and coordinate solutions to complex situations(S & I)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with good attention to detail and ability to articulate complex information clearly(S & I)
- Experience of working with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels(S & I)
- A demonstrable ability to influence and persuade others to ensure buy-in, particularly in the pursuit of common goals when there are conflicting perspectives(S & I)
- Ability to proactively plan and prioritise own workload to successfully deliver projects, and respond flexibly to changing priorities and ambiguity(S & I)
- Strong analytical skills, including experience of interpreting, connecting, synthesising and summarising information from a range of sources to identify key themes and opportunities(S & I)
Application Guidance
How to evidence the criteria:
You are encouraged to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in the cover letter to evidence your ability to meet the person specification criteria in the job description. Cover letters should be no more than two sides of A4 (minimum font size 11). For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service.
Applications that do not include a cover letter evidencing each criterion will not be considered.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UKRI
Role details (continued)
- Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Technology, Information and Internet
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