At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research funding applications and manage project amendments in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent benefits.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, pension schemes, health initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in administrative roles, strong literacy and numeracy skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a Gold Athena Swan award-winning team committed to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 29588 £ per year.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
The Role
Based within the Grants and Contracts Team in Research & Innovation, this role is responsible for supporting the processing of research funding applications, internal approvals through NUProjects, and the receipt of awards and subsequent project amendments. You will play a key role in supporting the team to deliver a prompt, efficient, and high-quality service in securing external research funding.
You will support both clinical and non-clinical research projects and will work closely with academic colleagues and research support teams across the faculties as well as others within the immediate team and wider research system. The post holder will provide guidance and support to Academics, Research Support Teams, and Central Services, and will contribute significantly to the processing of research funding awards, and the timely set-up of research accounts.
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Advising on the processes to be followed when submitting research funding applications and accepting funding awards
- Providing guidance on funder terms and conditions
- Ensuring internal approvals are completed via NUProjects
- Facilitating the efficient set‑up of research accounts
- Assisting with administrative tasks related to research contracting
Key Accountabilities
- Support the submission of funding applications by the Schools/Institutes/Principal Investigators (PIs) by providing advice on the application processes, including electronic submission systems
- Prior to a grant application being submitted, provide advice on grant submission procedures, including funding body electronic submission portals and requirements that need to be carried out by the PI, liaising with the funding organisations to resolve issues as and when they are considered necessary
- Act as the administrator for research funding body portals, including their management and maintenance, liaising with the funders to resolve issues if required
- Maintain applications and awards data in NU-Projects, liaising with PIs and other Professional Services colleagues to ensure information is accurate and consistent
- Keep up to date with application procedures, liaising with funding organisations as necessary, to ensure that a full understanding is maintained so as to inform internal operating processes and procedures and the need for more general dissemination of information, making proposals for improvement to the Grants & Contracts Team
- Receive and validate awards and award variations, which includes prior to award acceptance, confirming with the PI that the project details of a grant/contract, and any amendments, are as anticipated and acceptable and that the Grants & Contracts Team has on file appropriate supporting documentation. Where discrepancy in award values arise, liaise with Faculty based costing teams to clarify budget and distribution of funds to collaborators and third parties, as necessary
- Ensure that all funding awards are set up in accordance with office procedures, ensuring that projects commence in a timely manner
- With guidance from appropriate team member, assess grants and contracts documentation, in so far as it is expressly identified, for the need for further agreements and inform the designated Assistant Grants & Contracts Manager as appropriate
- Manage the distribution and return of grants and contract documentation for signature and execution and the communication of set‑up information to Contract Financial Management (CFM) to permit the timely start of projects and the collection of associated financial data
- Deal with queries from CFM, resolve any problems with research projects in a timely manner
- Staff responsibilities include day‑to‑day supervision and training of more junior staff in the team and assisting with the induction and training of new Grants Assistant appointments to post
- General duties such as responding to queries in relation to matters of fact concerning applications and awards, carrying out specific tasks as necessary in times of pressure and other appropriate tasks as may be required
The Person (Essential)
- Relevant experience in a previous clerical or administrative role in a complex private or public environment
- Good level of literacy and high level of numeracy skills
- Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as part of a Team providing effective support to others
- Experience of working independently and dealing with unforeseen problems/ circumstances from diverse funders
Attributes and Behaviour
- Self‑confident with strong interpersonal skills and able to relate to and work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, both within the University and externally
- Be able to work quickly and accurately to tight deadlines, paying close attention to detail
- Combine attention to detail and thoroughness whilst achieving deadlines
- Excellent organisational skills and able to manage conflicting priorities
Qualifications
- High level of literacy
- High level of numeracy skills
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Grants Administrator in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grants Administrator in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Newcastle University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the Grants Administrator role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for administrative roles. We should practice our answers, focusing on our experience with funding applications and teamwork, as these are key in this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our organisational skills! During the interview, we can share specific examples of how we've managed conflicting priorities or solved problems in previous roles. This will demonstrate our ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the Newcastle University team.
We think you need these skills to ace Grants Administrator in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Grants Administrator. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your previous roles, focus on any clerical or administrative experience you've had, especially in complex environments. We want to see how you've successfully managed tasks similar to those listed in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Grants Administrator inside out. Familiarise yourself with the processes of research funding applications and internal approvals. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your relevant experience in clerical or administrative roles. Be ready to discuss how your organisational skills and attention to detail have helped you manage conflicting priorities in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics and the challenges they face in securing research funding. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
✨Be Personable
Remember, strong interpersonal skills are key for this role. Practice being friendly and approachable during the interview. Relate your experiences to how you can effectively work with academics and support teams, as building relationships will be crucial in this position.