At a Glance
- Tasks: Support academics in crafting winning research grant applications and enhance funding success.
- Company: City St George's, a leading university committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research projects while developing your skills in grant writing.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in social sciences with grant writing experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The School of Policy & Global Affairs is currently seeking a Research Grant Advisor and Developer to provide specialist, hands‑on support to enhance the quality, competitiveness, and volume of external research grant applications. Working closely with academic staff in the Departments of Economics, International Politics, and Sociology/Criminology, as well as scholars affiliated with various research centres, the role focuses on strategic grant development, narrative crafting, and iterative proposal refinement to increase success rates with major UK and international funders.
You will provide one‑to‑one support to SPGA academics across the research grant lifecycle: identifying funding, shaping projects, refining proposals, and responding to reviews. Offer hands‑on drafting and editing of key sections, ensuring alignment with funder criteria. Support interdisciplinary bids across Economics, International Politics, and Sociology/Criminology. Deliver training and workshops with the Associate Dean. Share funding intelligence, collaborate with Research Services, and strengthen research culture and grant‑writing best practice.
To be successful in this role, you will hold a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant social science discipline, with strong knowledge of research processes and peer review. You will have a proven track record in grant writing and/or advisory work with UK and European funders, such as UKRI, ESRC, and Leverhulme. You will bring demonstrable experience in proposal development, narrative framing, and high‑quality editing, alongside strong networks across the research funding landscape. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and workshop facilitation skills are essential, as are strong organisational and project management capabilities. A sound understanding of UK higher education funding, REF, and research impact is required.
Desirable experience includes working within a UK university environment, delivering events and training, supporting interdisciplinary research, and working with early‑career researchers.
City St George’s offers a sector‑leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development. City St George’s, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors. We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio‑economic background. City St George’s operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.
Research Grant Advisor (REDEPLOYEE APPLICANTS ONLY) employer: City St George's Students' Union
City St George's is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and development of its staff, offering a sector-leading salary and comprehensive training packages. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, allowing Research Grant Advisors to engage with diverse academic departments and contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary research initiatives. With a strong commitment to equality and diversity, City St George's provides a supportive environment where employees can thrive and make a significant impact in the field of research funding.
Contact Details:
City St George's Students' Union Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Grant Advisor (REDEPLOYEE APPLICANTS ONLY)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your colleagues and connections within the university. They might have insights or even leads on opportunities that aren't widely advertised. Plus, a friendly chat can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the role and the department thoroughly. Think about how your skills align with their needs, especially in grant writing and proposal development. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like successful grant applications or projects you've contributed to. This will demonstrate your capabilities and give the interviewers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grant Advisor (REDEPLOYEE APPLICANTS ONLY)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of City St George's. We want to see how your experience aligns with their mission!
Showcase Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially in grant writing and advisory roles. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in narrative crafting and proposal refinement. Don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for the reader to follow your thought process.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at City St George's Students' Union
✨Know Your Grants
Familiarise yourself with the specific funding bodies relevant to the role, like UKRI and ESRC. Understand their priorities and criteria so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their expectations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous grant writing and advisory work in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully shaped proposals or secured funding, especially in interdisciplinary contexts, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've engaged with academic staff and other stakeholders in past roles. Be ready to share strategies for building relationships and fostering collaboration across departments.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since the selection process includes an assessment or presentation, practice delivering clear and concise information. Focus on how you would present complex ideas simply, as this is crucial for training workshops and one-to-one support.
