At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research funding delivery and engage with researchers and stakeholders.
- Company: The British Academy, the UK's leading body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 34 days annual leave, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on learning, wellbeing, and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking two Research Funding Assistants to join our team in the Research directorate, providing key support in the delivery of the Fellowship and Grants portfolios. There are two roles available, one assisting the Small Research Grants scheme and the other position will be assisting across our Fellowships portfolio.
The role of the Research Funding Assistant is to support the delivery of specific activities within the portfolio of funding schemes managed by members of the Research Funding Team. You will be at the heart of the Academy’s mission, working closely with Fellows, researchers, universities, and internal teams to ensure funding is delivered fairly, efficiently, and with integrity. From advising applicants and coordinating peer review, to monitoring project outcomes and producing meaningful data and reports, this role offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to see the real-world impact of research funding.
The role will be involved in the organisation of selection meetings and other relevant associated activities for grant holders, researchers and other stakeholders. If you enjoy balancing detail with big-picture thinking, value strong relationships, and want to contribute to the UK’s research landscape, this role offers both challenge and reward. This role would suit someone who is organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a structured but people-facing environment. You might already be working in research funding, higher education, or a grants administration setting, or you may be looking to deepen your experience in this area.
The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.
The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
Please contact the HR team at hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk if you have any questions.
The role closes at 2pm on 13 July 2026. Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 4 August 2026, but this may be subject to change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assistants (x2 posts)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by The British Academy.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like The British Academy.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at The British Academy.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at The British Academy. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assistants (x2 posts)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of The British Academy. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Research Funding Assistants (x2 posts), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The British Academy. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
