Research Support Officer

Research Support Officer

Full-Time 46614 - 56345 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Imperial College London

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support research strategy delivery through high-quality administration and project management.
  • Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university making a real-world impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 39 days off, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant community of students and staff.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative research that tackles global challenges and shapes the future.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with experience in financial administration and project management.

The predicted salary is between 46614 - 56345 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Research Support Officer role at Imperial College London

Base pay range

Salary or Salary range: £46,614 – £56,345 per annum

Posting End Date: 23 Oct 2025

About the role

Following a period of rapid growth and a new research strategy, an exciting opportunity has arisen in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for a Research Support Officer to support strategy delivery through high-quality research administration, with a focus on developing and improving post-award processes.

The postholder will support the management of strategic grants, with a specific focus on selected projects identified as requiring more dedicated administrative attention and those aligned with the research strategy. The post-holder will become well-acquainted with and develop expertise in managing research projects.

This busy, varied role requires multitasking, meeting deadlines, and interacting with staff at all levels. You will be expected to show initiative and work independently.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for two years in the first instance.

What you would be doing

Research Strategy Operations

In this area, you will:

  • Drive operational improvements by reviewing research systems and procedures, implementing a new timesheet system, and developing training resources to support compliance with university and funder policies.
  • Support strategic initiatives by assisting with the coordination of strategic bids, including organising meetings, preparing budgets, and collating documentation.
  • Support departmental research activities including overseeing data collection for REF 2029 and mid-term assessments, and coordinating all processes related to hosting research visitors.

Also in this area

  • Oversee financial and compliance matters for a portfolio of strategic grants, ensuring expenditure aligns with funder and university policies, preparing audit reports, and monitoring claims.
  • Provide administrative and HR support by acting as the primary contact for grant-related queries, supporting recruitment and contract extensions, and maintaining accurate timesheet records.
  • Lead on contractual processes by liaising with Research Contracts and EU teams to manage agreements and resolve issues across the grant portfolio.

What we are looking for

You will have a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), with proven experience in financial administration, including budgeting, forecasting, and presenting financial information in a clear and meaningful way.

You will also have experience managing customer-focused services, alongside sound knowledge of financial management, research grants and contracts, funder policies, and full economic costing.

Excellent time management and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities.

Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills are key to success.

What we can offer you

  • The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
  • A sector-leading salary and remuneration package, including 39 days off per year and generous pension schemes
  • Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day 1, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme
  • Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel

Further information

Further information is available in the job description.

The Department supports hybrid working, with a minimum on-site attendance of three days per week.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Sarah Willis s.willis@imperial.ac.uk

Any queries regarding the application process should be directed to Lucy Chivers at l.chivers@imperial.ac.uk.

For technical issues when applying online please email sjobs@ic.ac.uk.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We\\\’re here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the root of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.

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Research Support Officer employer: Imperial College London

Imperial College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation among its diverse community of staff and students. With a sector-leading salary, generous benefits including 39 days off per year, and opportunities for professional growth within a world-renowned institution, the Research Support Officer role provides a meaningful chance to contribute to impactful research while enjoying a supportive and inclusive environment in the heart of London.
Imperial College London

Contact Detail:

Imperial College London Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Support Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Imperial College London on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out in the application process.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the department's recent projects and initiatives. This shows us that we're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their research strategy right from the get-go.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially around financial administration and project management. We want to sound confident and knowledgeable when discussing our experience!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and remind them of our enthusiasm for the Research Support Officer role.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Support Officer

Financial Administration
Budgeting
Forecasting
Research Grants Management
Contract Management
Compliance Monitoring
Data Collection Oversight
Time Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Initiative
Adaptability
Customer-Focused Service

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Support Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial administration and research grants, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in previous roles. Whether it's managing budgets or coordinating projects, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your past positions.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your qualifications.

Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the advert early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as you can through our website to avoid missing out.

How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial College London

✨Know Your Research Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the research strategy of Imperial College London. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how they align with the role of a Research Support Officer. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Financial Savvy

Since the role involves financial administration, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting and forecasting. Bring examples of how you've managed financial processes in previous roles, and be ready to explain how you ensure compliance with funder policies.

✨Demonstrate Your Multitasking Skills

This position requires juggling multiple tasks, so think of specific instances where you've successfully managed competing priorities. Share stories that highlight your time management skills and ability to meet deadlines, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Prepare Questions That Matter

Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the department's research initiatives and how the role fits into the bigger picture. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the team's success.

Research Support Officer
Imperial College London
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