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 working hours, 34 days annual leave, and a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture focused on learning, development, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK’s research landscape while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with experience in research funding or grants administration preferred.
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. Please contact the HR team at if you have any questions. 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 Officer in Wendover employer: The British Academy
The British Academy is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values every contribution. With a strong focus on employee development, wellbeing, and a healthy work/life balance, staff enjoy a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the humanities and social sciences from our prestigious London location. Join us in shaping the future of research funding while working in a supportive environment that prioritises growth and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Officer in Wendover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Academy and its mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the bigger picture of research funding.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the team. This can give you an edge and show us that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to research funding and grants administration. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Research Funding Officer role. We want to see how you can bring your skills to the table!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the Academy's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Officer in Wendover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the Research Funding Officer role thoroughly. Check out the job description and highlight the key responsibilities and skills required. This will help us tailor your application to show how you fit perfectly!
Showcase Your Experience:When you're putting together your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Instead, focus on specific experiences that relate to research funding or grants administration. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your answers straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Make it easy for the hiring panel to see your skills and experience shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s designed to streamline the process and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – hit that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at The British Academy
✨Know Your Funding Schemes
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the different funding schemes managed by the British Academy. Familiarise yourself with the Small Research Grants and Postdoctoral Fellowships, as well as their objectives and impact. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Research Funding Officer, you'll need to manage multiple priorities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully balanced various tasks or projects. Highlight your organisational strategies and how they contributed to successful outcomes, demonstrating that you're proactive and detail-oriented.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
This role involves working closely with researchers, universities, and internal teams. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Share specific instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference, whether in collaboration or conflict resolution, to illustrate your ability to thrive in a people-facing environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and ethical considerations in funding. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
