Senior Funding Assurance Officer in Southampton

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and innovation, we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish. We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The Funding Assurance and Corporate Responsibility group at NOC sits within the Operations Function and provides professional support services in support of achieving its stated mission. As a charitable company dependent on securing grant funding, this group plays a pivotal part in the development, integration, and coordination of funding and assurance activities, supporting the delivery of grants via external financial reporting and audit functions. The role holder will help support the whole project lifecycle, working collaboratively with other Operations groups, Group Heads, and Principal Investigators. Senior Funding Assurance Officers will also have a key role in ensuring live grants are operated in a funder compliant manner, working to strict reporting and audit deadlines.

We’re looking for an excellent grant administrator with good attention to detail. You will need to work well in a team environment but be self-motivated and able to work alone. You’ll be comfortable analysing data and interpreting policy and procedure to ensure compliance with our funders. Previous experience of working in a research office environment and producing financial reports under UKRI or European Commission frameworks would be beneficial but not essential. We’re looking for someone who is proficient with numbers, with an ability to identify anomalies and take appropriate action. Excellent communication skills are a must as you’ll be required to engage with our scientists and customers regularly to ensure we provide the best level of service.

Why NOC?

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• 10% employer contribution pension scheme
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment
• Financial support for relocation
• A salary sacrifice scheme for electric/hybrid vehicles
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health, and financial issues
• Access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback, and eGift cards
• A Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• A great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
• We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station. We have a hybrid working approach where staff can work from home up to 2 days per week.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard. Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills, and experience, without regard to any protected characteristic.

Date advert posted: 18/06/2026
Closing date: 02/07/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.