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- Tasks: Manage research grants and ensure compliance across UCL's funding portfolio.
- Company: UCL, a top global university with a rich history of inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Shape a new function in a leading research institution and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing research grants and strong financial analysis skills required.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today, UCL has over 50,000 students and 15,000 staff, is one of the world's top ten universities, and is recognised as one of the most successful research institutions globally, consistently ranked in the QS World University Rankings (2010-2024) and placed 2nd in the UK for research power and 1st in London (REF 2021). Playing a key role in supporting UCL's research portfolio of around 4,500 active research awards and contracts, with annual research income of approximately £557m, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports and advances UCL's position as a world-leading, research-intensive university. Award Services, one of the core teams within RIS, provides specialist advice and support across the externally funded research and innovation lifecycle, working in close partnership with academic and professional services colleagues, collaborating organisations and funders. As part of the continued development of Award Services, UCL is establishing a new Research Funding Assurance team. This function will strengthen governance, accountability and oversight across research grant management, supporting robust compliance while delivering a responsive, high-quality service to the research community.
About the role
The Research Funding Assurance Manager will play a key role in the operational delivery of this new function. Working closely with the Assistant Director, Research Funding Assurance, the postholder will translate strategic objectives into effective day-to-day assurance activity across UCL's research funding portfolio. The role will support the coordination of funder-initiated and contractual audits, bringing together colleagues across Award Services, RIS and academic departments to ensure audits are well planned, financial evidence is robust, and outcomes are clearly tracked and addressed. This will include collating, reviewing and interpreting financial transactions and supporting documentation to ensure costs charged to research awards are compliant with funder terms and UCL policies. The postholder will also oversee a range of internal funding assurance activities, including monitoring aged awards, supporting year-end processes and ensuring follow-up actions from internal and external audits are implemented effectively. A central element of the role is building strong, proactive relationships across teams and stakeholder groups. The Manager will provide expert guidance on funder terms and conditions, research grant management and compliance matters, drawing on a detailed understanding of financial data and audit evidence, helping to embed consistent and proportionate assurance practices across pre-award, post-award and related functions. The role will also contribute to continuous improvement, using data and insight from assurance activity to identify risk, inform decision-making and support service enhancement. This includes working closely with colleagues in RIS Planning, Insight and Improvement and supporting the development of clearer reporting, metrics and guidance for stakeholders.
Please note that this role is open for applications from current UCL staff only. Interviews are expected to be held in-person.
About you
You will have significant experience of managing research grants and portfolios within a research-intensive organisation, with a strong understanding of post-award processes, funder terms and conditions, and compliance requirements. You will also be able to demonstrate hands-on experience of working with financial transactions, supporting evidence and audit documentation, and confidence analysing financial data to identify risk or non-compliance. You will be confident supporting or leading audit activity and advising colleagues on complex or sensitive funding issues. You will bring experience of working in fast-paced operational environments, with the ability to manage competing priorities, identify gaps in processes and influence others to adopt improved ways of working. You will be comfortable using data and reporting to highlight risk, track progress and support evidence-based decision-making. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as is a clear commitment to service excellence. You will be collaborative in your approach, able to balance assurance and compliance with support and engagement, and motivated by the opportunity to help shape and embed a new function within a large, complex institution.
What we offer
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On-site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Research Funding Assurance Manager in London employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assurance Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current UCL staff or alumni on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those in-person interviews! Research common questions for research funding roles and practice your answers. We want you to feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of how you've managed research grants or tackled compliance issues in the past. Real-life stories can make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assurance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Research Funding Assurance Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what UCL is looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your hands-on experience with research grants and compliance makes you a perfect fit. Share specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing financial transactions and audit documentation.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us quickly see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of research grant management and compliance requirements. Brush up on UCL's specific policies and the funder terms relevant to the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your hands-on experience with financial transactions and audit documentation. Be ready to discuss how you've managed competing priorities in fast-paced environments, as this will highlight your ability to thrive in the role.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves collaborating with various teams, think about how you can demonstrate your strong communication and relationship-building skills. Share instances where you've successfully influenced others or improved processes through collaboration.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data to identify risks or inform decision-making in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with reporting metrics and how it contributed to service enhancement, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for the Research Funding Assurance Manager.