Research Funding Manager (EU & International)

Research Funding Development (RFD) – Research and Innovation Services (RIS)

About the Role: 

Take your place at the heart of our research strategy. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced senior Research Funding Manager to lead the EU and International team. This role is pivotal in driving our EU and global research funding strategy at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group research-intensive university ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leadership in EU & International Research Funding Development: Identify and pursue international research funding opportunities strategically, develop and maintain international and EU partnership and support researchers in the preparation and submission of international collaborative research funding proposals.
• Senior Team Leadership: Supervise and support colleagues within the EU & International funding team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Funder relationships: Develop and manage relationships with key funding bodies, including UKRI, the Horizon Europe programme, NIHR and other international funders to gain intelligence.
• Consortium Building: Support academic colleagues in leading and managing international research consortia, ensuring effective collaboration between internal and external stakeholders and successful bid submission. 
• Strategy Implementation: Develop and implement sustainable international funding strategies to grow research income and improve overall performance.  Provide insights and recommendations using quantitative and qualitative briefings and reports on all aspects of international funding.
• International partnership building: Seek and maintain strategic international partners for collaborative research to enhance the University's ability to access international research funding and influence future calls and priorities. 
• Training and Workshops: Coordinate networking events on international funding opportunities and training sessions on processes and compliance.

Essential Qualifications and Experience: 

• Leadership and extensive experience in securing and managing EU & international research funding development. 
• Proven track record in leading large consortium bids and managing collaborative research projects. 
• In-depth knowledge of the national and international research funding landscape. 
• Strong project management skills and the ability to initiate, plan, and manage major new projects. 
• Proven track record in leading a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to persuade and influence to foster excellent relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. 

Benefits: 

The University of Southampton is bold, progressive, and keen to push the boundaries of what we’re achieving. Excellent benefits offered include: 

• 44 days leave per year (including 6 University Closure days and 8 days public holidays) 
• A 35-hour working week 
• Excellent pension scheme (University Superannuation Scheme) 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Staff discounts 
• Discounted access to our sports complex 

Our vision and mission at the University of Southampton is to have a community where staff and students feel welcome, supported and valued. RIS fosters a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity, with the belief that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. 

For more information about the opportunities that you could create with us, please contact Head of Research Funding Development Dr Ying Chen at ying.chen@soton.ac.uk.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.