Research Development Manager

On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will form a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South- East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE and within this, you will be closely connected to and work across one of our academic divisions (University of Greenwich or University of Kent), contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity. Combining these strengths, LASE brings scale, resilience and shared ambition to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.

Are you an experienced project and research professional with a talent for developing systems, driving improvement, and building effective partnerships?

Do you enjoy working collaboratively to deliver strategic outcomes in a dynamic environment?

Kent and Medway Medical School is seeking a Research Development Manager to work closely with the Director of Research and research support colleagues to deliver the School's research strategy, grow research and innovation income, strengthen partnerships, and help build an inclusive, sustainable research culture. You will lead research administration and governance across the School, working with colleagues at KMMS, Canterbury Christ Church University and regional NHS partners, to ensure effective research support and service delivery.

As Research Development Manager you can expect to be involved in :

• Establishing and managing all research and innovation related processes, policies and procedures in KMMS to implement the KMMS Research Strategy
• Producing data, management information and reports and providing support for research related meetings
• Monitoring KMMS research and innovation activity and evaluating progress on the KMMS Research Strategy implementation plan
• Supporting KMMS with Research Exercise Framework and Knowledge Exchange Framework submissions

What will you bring to the role?

• Experience in project management and working within growing or developing organisations
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship building skills
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the higher education research environment
• A proven track record of applying for grants in a research environment and increasing revenue
• Experience of successfully managing staff

What we can offer in return

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• Hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are:

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact ***email_hidden*** quoting reference number KMMS-111-26-R.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area

• Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.

Section

Kent and Medway Medical School

Location

Canterbury

Salary

£39,906 to £44,746 per annum

Grade

Grade 7

Post Type

Full Time

Contract Type

Permanent

Release Date

Monday 15 June 2026

Closing Date

23.59 hours BST on Sunday 28 June 2026 (unless otherwise stated*)

Interview Date

To be confirmed

Reference

KMMS-111-26-R