Overview
Research Partrnerships and Innovation (RPI ) supports agreed University, Faculty and School priorities for research and innovation: income generation, research excellence, PGR experience, partnership development and knowledge exchange leading to income and/or impact and commercialisation of IP and student enterprise. Our focus is on delivering professional, value-add advice and support to our community of researchers and innovators. We are a well-connected team which understands the priorities of the organisation and our external stakeholders and customers and the external environment in which we operate. Team members collaborate, reflect, develop their skills and have a risk-appropriate mindset of continuous improvement to our processes, policy and approach.
The Research Funding Development (RFD) team has a key role in developing and implementing strategies to optimise research income and develop the funding track record of academics who work in or contribute to research aligned to the University's research strengths, whilst also managing funder or University requirements.
You will have a vital role in supporting research funding development in the University and will play an important part in supporting the development and strengthening of the University's cancer-related research portfolio. You will build in depth knowledge of the cancer research area, understand the specific requirements for funding development and work with the academic community relevant to this priority. You will recommend suitable approaches, seeking consistency where possible, and be able to plan and deliver a range of activities with expertise.
We are looking for a motivated individual who thrives in a highly collaborative environment. You will have the flexibility to tailor your approach to the needs of a priority and as such you will require a broad understanding of research funding development as a basis to continuously develop your expertise and confidence to deliver specialist support and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team.
The Focus of this role is to support University aspirations for research income grown in cancer research by
developing support plans for specific priorities, appropriate to the priority.
proportionate implementation, including when responding to funder or University requirements.
Typical deliverables will include:
Design, management, coordination and delivery of two priority funding schemes run in partnership with Yorkshire Cancer Research, across faculties and considering risks and restrictions of the funding.
Contribute to priority identification and development utilising a depth of knowledge and understanding of opportunities in cancer research, the capacity to respond, and what would be required for a successful outcome.
Responsibility for the design, management and delivery of two priority funding schemes, run in partnership with an external charitable funder - Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Work closely with senior research leaders, academic cancer research theme leads and the Cancer Research Strategy Manager, utilising own expertise to facilitate the broader growth and implementation of cancer-related research across the University.
Relationship management between Yorkshire Cancer Research and the University of Sheffield.
Develop and deliver expert advice and communications to researchers on cancer-related funding opportunities, the development of research income and the funder application processes.
Lead the organisation of university peer-review for the priority schemes, facilitate researcher engagement and work closely with the academic applicants, advising on scheme fit, eligibility, how to develop a funding application to maximise success and what funders are looking for.
Provide operational support to the Cancer Research Oversight Board who oversee the University cancer research strategy and delivery of research funding.
Undertake a regular, ongoing review and reflection on the schemes’ operation and processes, to continuously improve practice.
In collaboration with the Cancer Research Strategy Manager, explore and develop themes related to cancer research, organize workshops, sandpits, information sessions and other networking events as appropriate.
Work with colleagues to provide financial and/or thematic information reporting on applications and awards for funder requirements, institutional performance and for strategy planning purposes.
Contribute to university/faculty/department meetings to share information about cancer related applications and projects funded through the schemes.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
A degree or equivalent experience.
Evidence of existing technical knowledge (or evidence that you can learn it in a limited timeframe) to enable delivery of priorities in cancer research and across structural boundaries.
Ability to work independently, flexibly and collaboratively in a matrix management structure - with an ability to understand and focus on end-user needs, prioritise workloads and adapt own skills to new circumstances.
Evidence both of appropriate attention to detail, but also the ability to elevate your thinking and approach to the bigger picture/objectives.
Evidence of ability to understand priorities at different levels in the organisation and to articulate RPI contribution appropriately.
Evidence that you form and maintain good professional working relationships and facilitate collaborative working practices with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
Evidence that you can make a constructive and productive contribution to both disciplinary (local) and multi-disciplinary teams with a focus on continuous improvement and user experience.
Demonstrate that you are able to take an evidence-based approach, analysing and interpreting a range of information, to provide advice, and make recommendations.
A good understanding of the external R&I landscape and how it relates to and impacts on your role and the work of RPI.
Further Information
£38, 784 - £47,389 per annum pro-rata
Potential to rise to £51,753 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution
Full-time, minimum 50% on campus
Research Funding Development Lead (Health and Life Sciences)
For informal enquiries about this job contact Graham Kiddle, Head of Research Funding Development: on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks commencing 21st or 28th September 2026.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week commencing 14th September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Stephanie Riley on
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
support for those going through the menopause
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
