Associate / Assistant Research Fellow

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is seeking to recruit an Associate Research Fellow or Assistant Research Fellow in the Faculty Office of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Purpose of the Role

The successful candidate will support the Principal Investigator, academic staff, and the Faculty in securing external research funding, including competitive research grants.

The role also contributes to research development by providing research intelligence, evidence gathering, data analysis, and stakeholder coordination to support the Faculty's research strategy.

Associate Research Fellow

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate complex, strategic, and multi-party external funding applications.
• Provide advice and guidance to academic staff on proposal development and funder requirements.
• Deliver research intelligence, analysis, and briefing materials to support the Faculty's research development.
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the Faculty where appropriate.
• Improve research development processes, resolve issues independently, and maintain accurate records.

About You

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Chinese.
• Significant experience supporting complex or high-value external funding applications.
• Sound knowledge of research funders, proposal development, and research funding processes.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to provide practical advice, work independently, and manage competing deadlines.
• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality funding applications, briefing papers, and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant online research management systems.

Assistant Research Fellow

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and disseminate relevant external funding opportunities.
• Support academic staff throughout the funding application lifecycle.
• Assist in preparing and coordinating funding applications, proposals, and supporting documentation.
• Undertake research, analysis, and prepare briefing materials to support funding activities and Faculty research development.
• Liaise with relevant stakeholders, maintain accurate records, and contribute to the continuous improvement of research support processes.

About You

Essential requirements include:

• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Chinese.
• Knowledge of external research funding and grant application processes.
• Strong research, analytical, organisational, and time management skills.
• The ability to prepare clear funding application materials, briefing papers, and reports.
• The ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders, independently, and to tight deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant online research management systems.

About UNNC

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is the first Sino-foreign university established in China. Located in Ningbo, the award-winning campus delivers a UK-style education and has grown to a student community of more than 10,000 in just 22 years.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary ranges from RMB 102,746 to RMB 175,726, depending on qualifications and experience.

The appointment will be offered on a one-year fixed-term outsourced contract through an external service provider.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the University's online recruitment system by 23:59 (Beijing Time), 25 August 2026.

Only online applications submitted via http://jobs.nottingham.edu.cn will be accepted.

Referees may be contacted before interviews, which will take place in Ningbo, China.

Enquiries

If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Human Resources Office at [email protected].

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair, equitable, and supportive learning and working environment.

Applicants and employees are considered solely on the basis of their qualifications, abilities, and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation, or any other irrelevant characteristic.

Attachment: Job Description / Role Profile