At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the delivery of Fellowship and Grants portfolios, ensuring fair and efficient funding.
- Company: The British Academy, the UK's national body for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 34 days annual leave, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a growing team focused on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK research while building strong relationships in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive individuals with experience in research funding or grants administration.
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 Officers to join our team, providing key support in the delivery of the Fellowship and Grants portfolios. There are two roles available: one leading the Small Research Grants scheme and the other position will co-lead on the Postdoctoral Fellowships.
The role of the Research Funding Officer is to deliver 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.
About the Academy: 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 1700 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.
The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team. We have increased staffing in the last 12 months and expect to continue to grow this year.
Working at the Academy: 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.
Terms and conditions: 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.
How to apply: We use Applied for our recruitment. Applied aims to overcome unconscious bias in recruiting. Instead of using CVs, candidates are asked to answer questions that test skills needed for the role. The responses are then anonymised and reviewed in a random order by members of the hiring panel. To find out more and apply, please visit our website via the apply button.
Closing date: Midday on 7 May 2026. Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 27/28 May 2026, but this may be subject to change. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, reflecting our commitment to a diverse and inclusive working environment, equal opportunity and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Research Funding Officers (London/Hybrid) employer: The British Academy
The British Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and respectful work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a competitive benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and generous leave, staff are empowered to balance their personal and professional lives while contributing to impactful research funding initiatives in the heart of London. Join us to be part of a mission-driven organisation that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard as we shape the future of humanities and social sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Officers (London/Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Research Funding Officers on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the British Academy's mission and values. We should be ready to discuss how our skills align with their goals, especially in supporting researchers and managing grants.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, we can share examples of how we've managed multiple priorities effectively. This will highlight our ability to thrive in a structured yet people-facing environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows we're serious about joining the team at the British Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Officers (London/Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what the Research Funding Officer role entails. Dive into the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities mentioned. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Be Specific and Relevant:When answering the application questions, be specific about your experiences. Use examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, as these are key for this role. The more relevant your answers, the better!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for research funding and the humanities shine through in your application. Mention why you’re excited about contributing to the UK’s research landscape and how you can make a difference at the British Academy.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, using Applied helps us focus on your skills without bias, so it’s a win-win!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Know Your Funding Schemes
Before the interview, make sure you understand the specific funding schemes you'll be working with, like the Small Research Grants and Postdoctoral Fellowships. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, application processes, and any recent changes. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Research Funding Officer, you'll need to juggle multiple priorities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or tasks. Highlight how you maintained attention to detail while keeping the bigger picture in mind—this is key for the role!
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained professional relationships in previous roles. Share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, whether it was advising applicants or coordinating with internal teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and ethical considerations in funding. Think about how you would handle situations like conflicting interests or ensuring fairness in funding decisions. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
