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- Tasks: Support funding schemes and assist with annual conferences, providing key administrative help.
- Company: Join the British Academy, the UK's leading body for humanities and social sciences since 1902.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive package, 34 days' leave, and a focus on work/life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values your contributions and supports your growth.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Excel and strong time-management skills are essential.
- Other info: Fixed term contract until May 2026, with potential for extension or permanence.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Research Funding Assistant to join our Research Funding team, providing key support in the delivery of the Small Research Grants, and working in collaboration with the Events team to deliver their annual Conferences scheme.
The Research Funding Assistant will provide administrative support to the portfolio of funding schemes with specific responsibility for the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants. This is a joint role, supporting the Events team with their annual schemes, particularly the British Academy Conferences Scheme.
Some of the main duties of the assistant include, but are not limited to:
- Advising applicants, award-holders, and assessors;
- Coordinating Flexi-Grant;
- Monitoring and reporting of award outcomes;
- Producing statistics and summary reports;
- Maintaining effective information databases.
We are seeking a proactive and collaborative individual to join our dynamic Research Funding team. You will be experienced in working across multiple teams, meeting tight deadlines, and taking the initiative to support day-to-day tasks effectively. You should have experience with Microsoft packages especially Excel and be able to learn new software and CRM packages. This role offers the opportunity to support various teams and contribute to our collective success. We are looking for a good listener and team player, who can use effective time-management skills to prioritise tasks.
Fixed Term Contract until May 2026 with the possibility of extension/being made permanent.
About the Academy
The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing, Development, Policy, Research, and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.
Working at the Academy
Our senior management team has worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning and development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success as we move forward and continue to grow.
Terms and conditions
The British Academy is based at 10–11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week, 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
How to apply
We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test the skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the Apply button link to access the Applied Recruitment Platform. Applications must be received no later than 12:00 noon on 14 May 2025.
Research Funding Assistant (Grants) employer: BRITISH ACADEMY
Contact Detail:
BRITISH ACADEMY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assistant (Grants)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Academy's mission and values. Understanding their focus on humanities and social sciences will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions, showcasing your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the British Academy. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Microsoft Excel skills, as this role requires proficiency in data management. Consider taking an online course or using tutorials to enhance your abilities, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your proactive nature by preparing questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute positively to the collaborative environment at the British Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assistant (Grants)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Funding Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as teamwork, time management, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel that are essential for the role.
Tailor Your Responses: When answering the application questions on the Applied platform, ensure your responses are tailored to reflect your experience and skills relevant to the specific duties mentioned, such as advising applicants and coordinating funding schemes.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: Emphasise your ability to work across multiple teams and your proactive approach. Provide examples from past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals.
Highlight Attention to Detail: Since the role involves monitoring and reporting award outcomes, make sure to demonstrate your attention to detail in your application. Mention any relevant experience with data management or producing reports to showcase this skill.
How to prepare for a job interview at BRITISH ACADEMY
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Research Funding Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the BA/Leverhulme Small Research Grants and the British Academy Conferences Scheme, as this will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since the role requires collaboration with multiple teams, be prepared to discuss your experience working in team settings. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, highlighting your proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
The job mentions a need for proficiency in Microsoft packages, especially Excel. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and any other software or CRM systems you've used. If possible, prepare to give examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the projects you'll be involved in, and the Academy's approach to professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
