At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with scientists to manage research grants and ensure financial success.
- Company: Join EMBL-EBI, a leading scientific organisation making global impacts.
- Benefits: Tax-free salary, flexible work, generous leave, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Inclusive culture promoting diversity and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of science and healthcare while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualifications and 5 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 44200 - 44200 £ per year.
Are you a commercially minded finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a world‑leading scientific environment? At the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), part of European Molecular Biology Laboratory, we advance scientific discovery through bioinformatics and enable solutions for global challenges such as infectious diseases, food insecurity and loss of biodiversity. With over 1,900 colleagues across six international sites, EMBL is one of the most influential research organisations in the world.
We are seeking two experienced Finance Business Partners to join our collaborative Budget Office team, based at the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge.
Your role
In this role, you won’t just report numbers; you’ll partner directly with world‑class scientists, and help to shape the financial success of pioneering research projects. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring that our grant funding is managed effectively, enabling breakthroughs that can transform science and healthcare globally.
As a Finance Business Partner you will report to the EBI Budget Office Manager taking ownership for:
- Leading the financial management of a portfolio of research grants, from post‑award through to reporting
- Collaborating closely with our Group Leaders, supporting their strategic objectives
- Monitoring and controlling project expenditure, ensuring alignment with funding requirements
- Preparing accurate and timely financial reports for grant‑awarding bodies
- Conducting quality reviews to ensure compliance with funding rules and internal processes
- Proactively identifying financial risks and providing clear, actionable insights
- Supporting payment distribution across research partners and projects
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing financial processes and service delivery
- Playing a key role in financial systems development, including Workday enhancements and user training
- Building strong relationships across scientific and operational teams, influencing decision‑making at multiple levels
You have
- Professional Accounting Qualifications (ACCA, ICAEW, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)
- University degree in Finance
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a well‑regarded medium/large organisation
- Experience of financial/budgetary control and management
- Excellent analytical and organisational skills
- Flexible approach to work and ability to plan, organise and prioritise own workload
- Ability to use own initiative to work proactively and independently, often working to deadlines set by others
- Excellent general interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and negotiating skills, with the ability to hold difficult conversations with a variety of different colleagues
You may also have
- Experience of working in an international organisation
Contract length: 3 years (limited)
Salary: Grade 6 monthly salary from £3,695.61 after tax plus generous benefits and financial allowances depending on family circumstances. Excluding personal pension and insurance contributions.
Why join us
EMBL is curiosity‑driven, community‑oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal‑opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture – one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation.
We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.
Enjoy Lots Of Benefits
- Financial incentives: Salary free of income tax, Monthly family, child and non‑resident allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long‑term care, accident‑at‑work and unemployment insurances
- Flexible 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 public holidays
- Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable)
- Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg), library, subsidised on‑site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)
- Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances
- Benefits for international newcomers: Visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non‑resident allowance.
For detailed information please visit our employee benefits page here
What else you need to know
- International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Visit our International Applicants page, to find out more.
- EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here.
- Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.
How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.
Closing Date: 10/05/2026
Finance Business Partner in Cambridge employer: European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
At EMBL-EBI, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. Located at the Wellcome Genome Campus near Cambridge, our Finance Business Partners play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking research while enjoying generous benefits such as tax-free salaries, flexible working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and making a meaningful impact on global challenges.
Contact Details:
European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and scientific communities. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching EMBL-EBI and its projects. Understand their mission and how your skills as a Finance Business Partner can contribute. Tailor your responses to show how you can help them manage grant funding effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in financial management and how it aligns with EMBL-EBI's goals. Highlight your analytical skills and ability to work collaboratively with scientists to drive financial success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in the scientific community.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Finance Business Partner. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with EMBL's mission. We want to see your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Showcase Your Skills:In your CV, don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills have made a difference in previous roles. Use specific examples that relate to financial management and collaboration with teams, as these are key for us at EMBL.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your achievements are easy to understand. This will help us see your potential impact right away!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online system! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Bioinformatics Institute | EMBL-EBI
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills and how you've contributed to financial success in past projects.
✨Understand the Science
Since you'll be partnering with scientists, it's crucial to have a grasp of the research environment. Familiarise yourself with the types of projects EMBL-EBI undertakes. This will not only help you relate better during the interview but also show your genuine interest in their work and mission.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different stakeholders in the past. Highlight your interpersonal skills and any experience you have in navigating difficult conversations or negotiations.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in managing grants, expect questions around funding rules and internal processes. Brush up on your knowledge of compliance standards and be ready to discuss how you've ensured adherence to these in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to risk management.
