Research and Enterprise Office (REO)
The Research and Enterprise Office (REO) is an Administrative Section within the university’s Professional Services. The Director of the REO reports to the Registrar and Secretary of the university. The REO supports the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and the Faculty Executive Deans in the development and implementation of the university’s Research Strategy.
The REO delivers services to the University’s academic community to support a range of research, impact and knowledge exchange activities. The section also contributes to a wide range of business engagement activities and facilitates the delivery of services to business as well as to the wider economic community. Its range of activities includes:
- Research strategy and policy;
- Identification of funding opportunities;
- Research governance and ethics;
- Supporting the development and submission of research grant applications;
- Grant and contract negotiation, costing and pricing;
- Financial management of research awards;
- Co-ordination of the University’s REF and KEF submissions
- Research impact and Knowledge Exchange, including the management of intellectual property, the commercialisation of research, licences, spin-outs and consultancy;
- Business Incubation facilities;
- Engagement with local and regional communities in the public private and third sectors;
- Managing key accounts with industry;
- Promoting the university’s research expertise and related services and managing the resulting customer relationships.
Duties of the Role
The role holder will be involved in Knowledge Exchange (KE) proposal development and co-ordination, focused on supporting engagement with businesses and external organisations and maintenance of the University’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. The post will provide critical project support across the KE team, assisting with the day-to day operational and administrative requirements.
The successful applicant will have an understanding of a university research environment and/or commercial Research & Development (R&D). The post holder will support our Knowledge Exchange Managers in developing and delivering research and consultancy projects with external businesses and organisations based on our academic strengths.
Other duties will include assisting with projects budget costings and project delivery reporting, using project management tools, grant funding platforms and financial administrative systems working with other teams within the Research and Enterprise Office (REO). In addition, you will support the development of marketing materials such as the development of case studies to promote the University’s services and technologies and act as point of contact for business partner and academic queries, making appropriate referrals.
Skills and qualifications required
The Knowledge Exchange Officer will have a keen interest to work at the forefront of KE and possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), the post holder will have strong communication skills combined with a high level of integrity, self-motivation and the ability to work to competing deadlines.
In addition, you will have previous experience of preparing written reports (or similar documentation), using databases and data manipulation and stakeholder relationship management.
At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.
To support this commitment we have our Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.
Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. Applications should be made on-line, but if you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please contact resourcing@essex.ac.uk
*More information: Working at the University