Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to, a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised university focused on providing high-quality teaching and delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new, and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
The role
Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Post-Award Processes Officer, the Research Support Officer (Post-Award) will deliver post-award support for successful research and knowledge exchange projects across Oxford Brookes University. The post-holder will be responsible for monitoring project expenditure, ensuring compliance with external funder terms and conditions, supporting financial reporting, and serving as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding awards.
This is a full time, fixed term post for 3 years.
About the team
This role sits within the Post-Award and Contracts team, part of the Research Support & Governance Team within the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Directorate. Directorate provides support to facilitate world-leading research, cutting-edge innovation, and promotes engagement with research end-users and beneficiaries. RIE accelerates collaborations between industry, business, the public sector, NGOs, and academia, supports commercialisation through licensing and spinout creation, and provides training for staff and students to develop entrepreneurial skills. The team maintains strong internal relationships with Finance, the People Directorate, and Deans of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (DRIKEs), alongside external funding bodies and project partners.
What will I be doing?
- Financial Monitoring & Compliance: Monitor expenditure on active externally funded grants, identifying variances between predicted and actual spend, and ensuring full compliance with funder terms and conditions.
- Funder Reporting: Support the preparation and submission of interim reports, final expenditure statements, and formal requests for extensions, supplements, or virements to external funders.
- Invoice & Partner Coordination: Liaise with project leads, Finance, and external partners to ensure timely and accurate processing of invoices for both OBU-led and externally-led research projects.
- Advisory & Guidance: Provide clear information, advice, and guidance to award holders regarding funder- and scheme-specific terms and conditions, keeping up to date with UK and EU funding landscapes.
- Systems & Information Management: Maintain accurate post-award records, assist with internal reporting, and ensure research support policies and processes remain up-to-date on the staff intranet.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain effective working relationships across the different Directorates and Faculties.
- Team Support & Representation: Deputise for the Post-Award Processes Officer when required, representing RIE and the Post-Award team in internal and external meetings.
What skills do I need?
- Qualifications & Knowledge: A good knowledge and understanding of HE systems, research support, and the UK research funding landscape.
- Technical & Numerical Proficiency: Strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and confident, proficient use of IT systems, including Microsoft Excel.
- Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to explain complex information clearly and work closely with and influence academic staff.
- Planning & Organisation: Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to set goals, prioritise workload, and work effectively under own initiative.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to assess and resolve complex problems without simple technical solutions, adapt positively to change, and generate creative improvements to workflows.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team, support group decision-making, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute positively to shared goals.
- Institutional Alignment: Commitment to Oxford Brookes' guiding principles: Inclusivity, Confidence, Connectedness, Enterprising Creativity, and Generosity of Spirit.
About the location
Based at our Headington campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role is hybrid and is likely to require 1 day on campus per week.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
- An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
- Training and development opportunities
- A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all.
We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background. As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
