We are looking for a Research Support Manager to lead and strengthen research support across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. You will work with academics and other professional services stakeholders to ensure research activity is well supported from idea through to delivery. This is an office-based role with real impact, shaping how research is enabled, improving processes, and supporting the Faculty to attract funding and deliver high-quality outcomes. You will also play a key role in developing and guiding a team delivering day-to-day research support.
Shortlisted Candidates will be expected to provide a short presentation as part of the recruitment process.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading and improving research support services across the full research lifecycle
- Building strong relationships with academics and stakeholders to support research activity and funding success
- Using data and insight to monitor performance, identify issues and drive improvements
- Promoting and embedding a service excellence mindset with a commitment to continuous service improvement
- Supporting and developing team members, including coordinating workload and priorities
- Contributing to Faculty and University priorities, including systems, processes and strategic initiatives
About you
We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Essential criteria:
- Experience of working in a research support, higher education or similar environment
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and build trust
- Ability to manage and prioritise complex workloads and improve processes
- Confidence working with data to inform decisions and track performance
- Clear and effective communication skills
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of leading or developing others
- Understanding of the research funding lifecycle
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.
Our benefits include (Grade 6):
- Very generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure
- EV car scheme available
For more info, please see University of Manchester Benefits along with our Flexible and hybrid working policy
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Katharine Ferguson
Email Address: [email protected].
General enquiries and administrative support
[email protected]
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Interview date is 16th July 2026 (in Person)
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
