Pre-Award Research Manager

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Job Description

Pre-Award Research Manager (Job Number: )

Research and Innovation Services

Fixed Term - Full Time

20-Oct-2026, 10:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement :
Not Applicable.

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The Research Operations Team is part of Research and Innovation Services (RIS) and provides comprehensive support to academic and PSS colleagues across the lifecycle of a research project. The team comprises pre- and post-award services, contracting and consultancy support. Support includes tailored financial and contractual advice and management to all researchers at Durham, from planning, costing, and pricing the initial proposal to ensuring that contracts and agreements are negotiated effectively and efficiently, to ensuring robust financial management and compliance of awarded projects.

Research Operations works alongside the various teams which make up the Research and Innovation Services and in partnership with Professional Support colleagues across the University to help facilitate research-related planning, reporting and development and to meet the needs of both the individual researcher and the wider institution.

As a Pre-Award Research Manager within the pre-award team, you will play a key role in supporting and developing externally funded research grant activity by providing high quality support and advice to academic staff in the preparation, submission and contractual negotiation of research grants and awards. You will join an enthusiastic and supportive team of Pre Award Research Managers based in the central office but will also be expected to spend time in the academic departments you support, to provide a key link role between the academic community and RIS.

• Project managing the submission process of the bid (including responsibility for budget development and seeking internal approvals).
• Working closely with the Research Development team on strategic funding opportunities.
• Lay reviewing applications for regulatory and funder compliance.
• Ensuring timely acceptance of successful awards including contract negotiation and ensuring all ethical and due diligence checks are completed.
• Working closely with post-award and contracting colleagues to ensure accurate project information is captured and shared in a…