Funding Development Officer

The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Institute (NORI), hosted by the University of Sunderland in partnership with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is seeking a Funding Development Officer to help grow an ambitious programme of research, innovation and healthcare transformation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of academia, the NHS, industry and external funders. You will help identify, develop and secure funding for innovation-focused research, translational programmes, commercial partnerships and philanthropic opportunities aligned to NORI and Trust priorities.

Working closely with senior academic, clinical and professional services colleagues, you will play a central role in building a sustainable funding pipeline, developing high-quality bids and propositions, and supporting the growth of a new institute with regional, national and international ambition.

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive individual with experience of funding development, bid writing, innovation support or partnership development. You will be confident identifying opportunities, coordinating contributors, managing deadlines and producing clear, persuasive written content for funders, partners and internal decision-makers.

The postholder will work across both the University and NHS Trust environment, so excellent communication, diplomacy and stakeholder management skills are essential.

The successful candidate will have:

1. Bid development and writing

Experience of developing, coordinating and writing high-quality funding applications, bids, tenders or business cases from concept through to submission.

2. Opportunity identification and prioritisation

Ability to horizon scan, assess funding opportunities, understand funder requirements and prioritise activity based on strategic fit, feasibility and likelihood of success.

3. Stakeholder coordination and delivery

Strong project management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate input from multiple colleagues and partners, manage competing deadlines, and ensure submissions are accurate, compliant and delivered on time.

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries.

We're an inclusive, ambitious and forward-looking University in a vibrant city that's constantly evolving. We're also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape., At the University of Sunderland, we're more than a place of learning, we're a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don't just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks