At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research grants from activation to closure, ensuring compliance and financial accuracy.
- Company: Join King's College London, a leading institution in educational sciences and research innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a welcoming community at King's College London.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful research projects while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent, with strong financial and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32402 - 36299 Β£ per year.
The Research Grants Administrator will support the financial and administrative management of a varied portfolio of live research projects. This role is key to ensuring the smooth running and successful completion of research grants, working from the point of project activation through to closure.
This full-time, permanent role will focus on the post-award administration of active research grants, ensuring accurate financial monitoring, compliance with funder terms and conditions, and timely reporting. The role holder will work closely with academic colleagues, professional services teams, and external partners to support effective project delivery and risk management. The role holder will report directly to the Research Grants Manager.
King's College London is seeking to appoint a Research Grants Administrator to join our Research Management & Innovation Directorate. The purpose of the role is to deliver a full award management function, supporting research projects from the live stage through to closure. This includes preparing financial reports, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with funder terms and internal procedures. The role holder will report progress and issues to the Research Grants Manager.
A key focus of the role will be to work proactively to reduce the number of overdue claims, with particular attention given to items outstanding for over 90 days. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain up-to-date knowledge of funder requirements and institutional financial regulations, and apply these consistently across their portfolio of awards.
In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, the role holder will be expected to develop a broad understanding of the wider research environment at King's, engaging positively with the university's research strategy and contributing to ongoing service transformation initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is detail-focused, organised, and committed to supporting high-quality research through efficient and accurate grants administration. This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract.
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Good understanding of Research Grants and Contracts Post Award activities in a University or similar environment
- A thorough understanding of funder Terms and Conditions of RCUK, Wellcome Trust, NIHR, UK and other Overseas Funders and Charities
- Ability to demonstrate high levels of accuracy and attention to detail with very strong financial reconciliation skills
- IT literate with advanced spreadsheet skills including pivot tables
- High level of numeracy, double entry and accounting principles
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to lead when required
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
- Practical problem-solving skills and ability to analyse data at different levels
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification
- Accountancy qualification or studying towards such a qualification
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.
As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities. We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
Interviews are due to be held within two weeks of application closing date.
Grade and Salary: Β£38,482 - Β£43,249 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Research Grants Administrator employer: European Commission
Contact Detail:
European Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Research Grants Administrator
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific funders mentioned in the job description, such as RCUK and Wellcome Trust. Understanding their terms and conditions will give you an edge during discussions and interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Research Grants Administrators at King's College London or similar institutions. They can provide insights into the role and share tips on how to navigate the application process effectively.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your financial reconciliation skills and be prepared to discuss your experience with advanced spreadsheet functions. This is crucial for demonstrating your capability in managing research grants.
β¨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and changes in research funding and administration. Showing that you are proactive about your professional development can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grants Administrator
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Grants Administrator position. Highlight key skills such as financial monitoring, compliance, and communication in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience with research grants and contracts, particularly in a university setting. Emphasise your attention to detail, organisational skills, and any relevant qualifications or training.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Write a compelling supporting statement that directly addresses how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job advert. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at European Commission
β¨Know Your Grants
Familiarise yourself with the specific funders mentioned in the job description, such as RCUK and Wellcome Trust. Understanding their terms and conditions will show your preparedness and commitment to the role.
β¨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your accuracy and attention to detail, especially in financial reconciliation. This is crucial for the role, so be ready to discuss how you ensure precision in your work.
β¨Showcase Your IT Skills
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with spreadsheets, particularly advanced functions like pivot tables. You might even want to mention any relevant software you've used in previous roles to manage grants or finances.
β¨Engage with the Research Environment
Research King's College London's current research strategy and initiatives. Showing that you understand the wider research environment will demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing positively to the university's goals.