At a Glance
- Tasks: Support impactful research by managing grant funding competitions and liaising with applicants.
- Company: Join the NIHR, the UK's largest funder of health and social care research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health research while developing your administrative skills.
- Qualifications: A Levels or equivalent and 12 months of administrative experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
Are you highly organised, detail driven and motivated by supporting impactful research? Join the NIHR Operations team and play a key role in delivering end-to-end grant funding schemes that commission new research and demonstrate real world impact.
About Us
The NIHR, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is the UK’s largest funder of health and social care research. It delivers world leading studies that improve health, wellbeing and economic growth with GMG providing critical operational and management support to its funding programs.
We are seeking a motivated, organised individual to become a Research Grant Administrator to join our busy Operations Team. Experience of working in an administrative, process driven or project delivery environment is essential. Knowledge and/or experience of grant administration and/or working in health or research-related environments would be beneficial but not essential.
What you’ll be doing:
- Support the project management of research funding competitions, tracking progress with in-house tools and reporting at progress meetings
- Act as a key contact for external enquiries about funding schemes
- Communicate with applicants, independent expert reviewers, funding committee members, and internal colleagues
- Prepare competition content for website publication
- Work with Systems colleagues to set up and test competitions on the Research Management System (RMS)
- Conduct initial checks on research proposals and manage large volumes of application data
- Source, invite, and coordinate expert peer reviewers and manage applicant responses
- Produce funding committee papers and support virtual and in-person meetings, including scoring and conflict-of-interest management
- Prepare and send outcome letters and handle follow-up queries
- Post-award support includes managing contracts, electronic signatures, and progress reporting
- Maintaining accurate electronic records and supporting annual impact data collection
- Acting as a flexible team resource, contributing to projects, data analysis, and occasional travel to committee meetings
About You
Essential Criteria
- Educated to a minimum of A Level standard or equivalent
- A minimum of 12 months’ administrative experience, ideally within a structured, deadline driven environment
- Strong IT skills, with proven experience using Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace applications (including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Calendar) and the ability to learn bespoke research management systems
- Experience of working with accurate data handling, record keeping, and documentation, maintaining high standards of confidentiality and governance
Desirable Criteria
- An interest in health and social care research and the impact of research on patient outcomes and public health
- A background or previous experience in healthcare, health sciences, research administration, or a related field
Key Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail with proven ability to manage accurate records across complex, high volume information
- Strong information management skills, confidently gathering and validating data from multiple sources
- Excellent organisation and time management, able to prioritise competing deadlines
- Proactive, solution focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills and a collaborative team working approach
Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:
- Salary: £32,000 per year
- Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model
- Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays
- Employee Benefits Include:
- Annual, discretionary bonus
- Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme
- Life Insurance Cover
- Benenden Healthcare Membership
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Season Ticket Loan
NB: We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices 1 day each week, this may increase, subject to team requirements.
If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Essential and Desirable Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR. Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday the 9th January, interviews to commence from the 12th January.
Inclusion and Diversity
LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements please contact Carl by email carl.sanassy@lgcgroup.com to arrange appropriate support.
Research Grants Administrator in Twickenham employer: NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
At NIHR, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values each team member's contributions. Located in Twickenham, London, our hybrid working model promotes work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures ample opportunities for growth within the health and social care research sector. With competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, annual leave, and training opportunities, joining our Operations Team as a Research Grants Administrator means becoming part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to making a real-world impact.
Contact Details:
NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Grants Administrator in Twickenham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the NIHR and its mission. Understanding their goals will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to grant administration. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share specific examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grants Administrator in Twickenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your Statement of Suitability, make sure to highlight how your skills match the essential and desirable criteria. We want to see what makes you a great fit for the Research Grants Administrator role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and statement straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on your relevant experiences that showcase your organisational and administrative skills.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and statement to reflect your enthusiasm for health and social care research. Let us know why you’re excited about working with the NIHR and how you can contribute.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Research Grants Administrator. Familiarise yourself with grant funding processes and the NIHR's mission. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in supporting impactful research.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires exceptional organisation, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised deadlines and maintained accurate records, as these are key skills for the position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and professionally. You might be asked to explain complex information, so think about how you can simplify your explanations while still being thorough.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.