The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

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.

Main duties and responsibilities

• 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.

Further Information

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 stephanie.riley@sheffield.ac.uk.

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

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.