Research Grants Officer in Oxford

About The Role

Behind every research breakthrough, there is a process that makes it possible. A conversation that helps shape an idea. A fair and thoughtful review. A decision that backs the right work at the right time. As a Research Grants Officer, you will be part of that process. You will help run a research funding programme that is not only efficient, but fair, inclusive and supportive. Working closely with the Research Grants Manager and colleagues across the Research and Influencing directorate, you will manage funding rounds and support a portfolio of active research projects. You will be there from the very first question a researcher asks, through to the moment funding decisions are made, and beyond. Along the way, you will help create a positive experience for everyone involved, from early career researchers to leading experts, and the volunteers who bring lived experience into the process. It is detailed work. But it is work that makes a real difference.

What you will do

• You will be at the centre of the grants process, helping to keep things running smoothly and making sure people feel supported at every step.
• No two days will look exactly the same, but your focus will always be the same, helping great research happen.
• Manage grant applications from start to finish, making sure each stage runs smoothly and on time.
• Be a friendly and reliable point of contact for applicants, answering questions and helping them submit strong proposals.
• Coordinate peer review and lay review, bringing together expert insight and lived experience to inform funding decisions.
• Prepare papers for funding panels, attend meetings and capture clear, accurate notes of what is discussed and agreed.
• Share outcomes with applicants in a clear, respectful and timely way.
• Support the management of funded projects, helping track progress and making sure reporting is up to date.
• Build relationships with researchers, clinicians and volunteers, helping them feel valued and encouraging them to stay involved.
• Look for ways to improve how we work, which might mean updating guidance for applicants, spotting trends in our data, or helping to shape a process that is simpler, fairer and more accessible.
• Support events, respond to enquiries and step in to help colleagues when it matters.

About you

• You have experience in, or a strong interest in, science, health or policy, and are curious about dementia research and the difference it can make.
• You build positive relationships with a wide range of people, including senior researchers, and enjoy working with others.
• You communicate clearly and confidently, whether you are writing, speaking or explaining something complex in a simple way.
• You are organised and reliable, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage your time well.
• You take initiative and are comfortable working independently, while knowing when to ask for input or support.
• You work well as part of a team and are willing to step in and help when deadlines approach.
• You care about inclusion and want to make sure the way you work is open, respectful and accessible to others.

We know that people do not always apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If this role interests you but you are not sure you tick every box, we would still encourage you to apply. This position is offered on a fixed-term contract/secondment basis until June 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing 1st June 2026.

About Alzheimer's Society

Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society. We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply. Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society.

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.