Deputy Director (Research Funding and Development)
Posted Today by Totaljobs
£67,468 Per year
Undetermined
Hybrid
UK; London; Birmingham; Manchester; Glasgow; Liverpool; Leeds; Edinburgh; Bristol; Cardiff; Nottingham
Summary: Aston University is seeking a Deputy Director for Research Funding and Development to lead strategic initiatives in securing high-quality research funding. The role involves collaborating with senior research leaders and guiding the Research Funding and Development Team to enhance Aston's position among UK and international funders. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in building partnerships and securing major research awards, contributing to the university's 2030 Strategy. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a senior leadership role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support and guide the Research Funding and Development Team.
- Work closely with senior research leaders across the University.
- Deputise for the Director of Research Services.
- Develop a coherent funding approach and enable collaborative bids.
- Build an inclusive and empowering culture for researchers.
- Lead transformational change to equip research development and funding.
- Position Aston in partnerships and consortia for growth.
Key Skills:
- Strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities.
- Experience in securing major research awards.
- Ability to work collaboratively in high-performing teams.
- Desirable experience working for a research funder.
Salary (Rate): £67,468 yearly
City: Birmingham
Country: UK
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: Other
Research Services Location: Aston University John Cadbury House
Salary: £58,225 to £67,468 per annum
Grade: Grade 10
Contract Type: Permanent
Basis: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 18 June 2026
Interview Date: Monday 06 July 2026
Reference: 0778-26
Release Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Aston University is seeking an exceptional strategic collaborator to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of research funding and development.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute an institution-wide approach to securing high-quality, high-value research funding and to strengthen Aston’s position as a partner of choice across major UK and international funders. Working at the heart of Research and Enterprise, you will support the development of a coherent funding approach, enable collaborative bids, and help build an inclusive, empowering culture that enables researchers to succeed.
As Deputy Director, you will support and guide the Research Funding and Development Team, work closely with senior research leaders across the University, and deputise for the Director of Research Services. You will bring a strong track record of building strategic partnerships, securing major research awards, and working collaboratively within high-performing teams in complex environments.
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a senior leadership role and contribute directly to the delivery of Aston University’s 2030 Strategy: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial and Transformational.
Key experience/abilities will include:
- Leadership in transformational change to equip research development and funding at Aston with the right tools and processes to deliver ambitious growth.
- A strategic thinker who is adept at positioning Aston in the partnerships and consortia to achieve this growth.
- Experience of working for a research funder is desirable.
What we offer:
Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
Great family friendly policies.
On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting. See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
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We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
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