Band 6 Research Grants Officer

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and experienced Research Grant Officer to join the Research Application Support (RAS) Team within Research and Innovation at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust RAS provides specialist support to clinicians and academics developing applications for clinical, data and applied health research funding including grants, projects and fellowships.

The team is uniquely placed at the interface between the NHS, universities, funders and external partners, helping to turn strong research ideas into high-quality, deliverable and fully costed applications.

We are looking for someone with excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills who can work confidently with investigators, senior managers and partner organisations, You will advise on complex research costings, support grant submissions, interpret funder requirements, maintain accurate systems and help ensure applications are progressed to demanding deadlines.

This varied role offers exposure to a wide range of research, funding schemes and collaborators, with opportunities to develop specialist knowledge in research finance, SoECATs, AcoRD and the wider grant application process.

You will join the Team at an existing time as we continue to strengthen and develop the Research Application Support service across UHB. Main duties of the job As Research Grant Officer, you will support clinicians and academics to develop high-quality, fully costed applications for clinical, data and applied health research.

You will act as a key point of contact for grant enquiries, meet with investigators to understand project requirements, interpret funder guidance and prepare or review budgets, financial information and supporting documentation.

On a day-to-day basis, you will manage multiple applications, monitor deadlines, maintain accurate records on departmental systems, draft letters of support, coordinate approvals and sign-off, and work closely with universities and other external partners.

You will also support SoECAT activity, apply the AcoRD framework, ensure relevant Sponsorship and Governance costs are included, and contribute to reports, service metrics and process improvement. We are looking for someone who is organised, analytical and confident working independently.

You will need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, advanced IT skills particularly Excel, and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Experience of working in research, healthcare or a university environment, together with an understanding of research funding and clinical research delivery will be important.

About us

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued.

We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people.

As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential.

For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

Job description

Job responsibilities *Please Note :

For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description* Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential *Professional knowledge acquired at degree level or equivalent experience in relevant discipline e.g. Healthcare Science, Nursing Studies, Biomedical Science. *Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable *Specialist knowledge acquired through post-graduate study e.g. Clinical Research, Health Data Science, Health Policy.

Experience Essential *Experience of scientific/health related subject matter. *Significant experience working within Research, Development & Innovation environment. *Experience working in a healthcare environment. *Understanding of NHS/University research environments. *Understanding of clinical research delivery. *Experience of budget control and contract negotiation. *Evidence of project work within the NHS. *Ability to interpret national policies and guidance as appropriate. *Proven ability to analyse and appropriately present complex information so that it is easy to understand. *Evidence of good written and oral presentation skills.

Desirable *Experience and knowledge of SoECATs and AcoRD framework. *Knowledge of research funders and their application processes, e.g. NIHR, MRC and Charities. *Finance understanding of SFIs. *Evidence of innovation in project research teams. *Understanding Health Data Research within the NHS.

Additional Criteria Essential *Ability to make decisions on meeting project targets highlighting performance information including complex facts and/or situations which requires analysis and interpretation. *Communication with ability to receive sensitive and provide complex information with ability to persuade, motivate and negotiate (internal and external staff). *Ability to analyse and report data in a format which is consistent with the needs of the audience. *Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously. *Ability to manage conflicting priorities in a constructive manner. *Ability to work to challenging and tight deadlines. *Ability to use initiative and show self-motivation. *Calm under pressure and can work to tight deadlines. *Able to deal with difficult situations and manage expectations. *Good report writing skills. *Ability to delegate and work through others. *Ability to work independently. *Team player. *Ability to communicate effectively at all levels with excellent interpersonal skills. *Ability to manage conflict in a constructive manner. *Advanced keyboard skills. *Excellent IT skills, especially Excel. *Flexible approach to work. *Demonstrate attention to detail. *Able to travel across UHB sites and to external sites if required.

Desirable *Negotiation, coaching, facilitation and leadership skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Address Queen Elizabeth Hospital Mindelsohn Way Birmingham West Midlands B15 2TH United Kingdom Employer's website https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab) Employer contact details For questions about the job, contact: Hiring Manager Deborah Popoola deborah.popoola@uhb.nhs.uk 01213718006 Details Date posted 11 August 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £39,959 to £48,117 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 304-1101793 Job locations Queen Elizabeth Hospital Mindelsohn Way Birmingham West Midlands B15 2TH United Kingdom Supporting documents Privacy notice University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)