Project Officer in Saffron Walden

The GBC Project Officer Funder Relations has a proven track record of engaging and developing strong working relationships with diverse funding organisations to deliver high quality outputs for a range of different projects. The Project Officer Funder Relations is a key role within the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC) Secretariat, which is hosted by EMBL-EBI and supported by a five-year grant from the European Commission (2026-2030) and contributions from member funders. The GBC provides a forum for funders to share experience and good practice, and to work with biodata resources, policy makers and the broader scientific community to enhance the sustainability of the global biodata infrastructure.

You will support the GBC leadership to develop, maintain and grow relationships with current and future GBC funders to ensure the successful recruitment and onboarding of new funding organisations in line with GBC strategy. You will work closely with the GBC's Executive Head and other members of the GBC Secretariat. In addition to individual funders, you will also engage and work with other GBC's key stakeholders and GBC's governance structures such as the Board of Funders, the Scientific Advisory Committee, and further policy makers or advisory groups to deliver specific activities and pieces of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Landscaping, coordination and tracking of relations with existing, new and potential funders.
• Support Executive Head in engaging with funders.
• Development and maintenance of processes for engaging with funders.
• Preparation in collaboration with the GBC Communications Officer, of high-quality content and communication materials to engage with funders.
• Operationalisation of the GBC engagement strategy.
• Representation of GBC as appropriate in meetings with funders and other stakeholders.
• Drafting of reports, briefings and papers for GBC's Board, senior leadership and advisory groups as required.
• Attendance, including delivering presentations, at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Further tasks relevant to the delivery of GBC's work programme as required.
• Contributions to the GBC Board, advisory group and external meetings as required.
• Contributions to communications materials from GBC - including website content, reports, papers and other outputs as required.

You will report to the Executive Head of GBC, engaging GBC's funders current and future, delivering key projects, and taking forward other pieces of work to ensure the successful delivery of GBC's programme.

You will have

• An established successful track record (i) in engaging with funders, (ii) of managing and (iii) delivering a diverse range of projects with a minimum of 5 years experience in a professional setting.
• Experience in academia or the life sciences in a research, funding or policy role.
• Experience working with organisations across geographies and demonstrated sensitivity to cultural differences.
• Strong team working skills, including demonstrable experience of managing and contributing to successful project teams.
• A proactive, open and professional attitude, with the ability to build relationships with people at all levels.
• Very strong English verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work independently.
• A passion for science and technology policy and open data.
• Strong organisational, time management and priority-setting skills.
• The ability to work independently and as a member of a hybrid, geographically-distributed team.
• The ability to communicate with impact and listen actively, respecting the views of others so they feel valued and heard.

You might also have

• A higher degree in the life or biomedical sciences.
• Language skills beyond English.

Benefits and Contract Information

• Financial incentives: depending on circumstances, monthly family/marriage allowance of £291, monthly child allowance of £351 per child, non-resident allowance up to £595 per month.
• Annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long-term care, accident-at-work and unemployment insurances.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (including all prescriptions and generous dental & optical cover).
• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to eight bank holidays.
• Relocation package including installation grant (as applicable).
• Campus life: Free shuttle bus to and from work, on-site library, subsidised on-site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely).
• Family benefits: On-site nursery, child sick leave, generous parental leave, holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances.
• Contract duration: This position is a 3 year project based contract.
• Salary: Monthly salary starting at £3,452.05 or £3,861.91 after tax (but excl. pension & insurances) + benefits (Total package will be dependent on family circumstances).
• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions.
• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL-EBI, we strongly believe that inclusive and diverse teams benefit from higher levels of innovation and creative thought. We encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+ and individuals from all nationalities.
• Job location: This role is based in Hinxton, near Cambridge, UK. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas and you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV via our online system. Applications will close on 14/08/2026.