At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management of research projects and ensure compliance with funder terms.
- Company: UCL, a top global university known for its innovative research.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful research projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or research administration and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working available in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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 10 universities and is recognised as one of the most successful research institutions in the world, consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2024) and is 2nd in the UK for research power and 1st in London (REF 2021). Playing a key role in supporting the UCL research portfolio of 6,000 active research awards and contracts with an annual research income of £500M, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports and advances UCL's position as a world beating research led University.
Award Services, one of four teams within RIS, provides a range of specialist advice to UCL's externally funded research and innovation portfolio through the departments of: Research Support & Development (Pre‑award); European Research and Innovation Office; Finance and Compliance (Post‑Award). The service is delivered in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues across UCL, collaborating organisations, and funders.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Award Services in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) for a Research Funding Assurance Administrator to join the Post Award team. The role plays a key part in supporting the financial management and administration of externally funded research and innovation projects. Working closely with academic departments, professional services colleagues and external funders, the post holder will help ensure that projects are managed in line with funder terms and conditions and UCL's financial regulations, policies and procedures.
You will be responsible for a portfolio of research projects and will contribute to accurate financial reporting, monitoring expenditure against budgets, maintaining grant records and supporting audit and compliance activity. The role involves working with institutional finance and research management systems, responding to queries from departments and funders, and supporting effective processes that enable the delivery of high‑quality research. This is a varied and collaborative role, requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a busy and deadline‑driven environment. The post holder will be part of a supportive team, working together to provide a consistent and high‑quality post‑award service across UCL. This role is eligible for hybrid working.
About you
You will have experience of working in a finance or research administration role within a research‑intensive or similarly complex organisation, with a good understanding of externally funded projects and the need for strong financial control and compliance. Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant experience, you will be confident working with financial data and systems, reconciling information, monitoring budgets and supporting financial reporting. You will be comfortable working to deadlines, managing competing priorities and maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial or procedural information clearly to non‑financial colleagues and to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be proactive, organised and able to work both independently and as part of a team, contributing positively to shared objectives. Adaptable and responsive, you will be comfortable working in a changing environment and keen to support continuous improvement in processes and ways of working, while delivering a helpful and professional service to the academic community.
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 Administrator employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assurance Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL's research projects and funding sources. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about contributing to UCL’s mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around financial management and compliance. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios related to the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assurance Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Funding Assurance Administrator role. Highlight your experience in finance or research administration, and show how your skills align with UCL's mission and values.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In a role that requires strong organisational skills and accuracy, it’s crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed budgets or ensured compliance with regulations.
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it's important to showcase your communication skills. Make sure your application is clear and concise, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to non-financial colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, your application will be processed efficiently, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our supportive team at UCL!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Research Funding Assurance Administrator, you'll be dealing with financial data and budgets. Brush up on your financial terminology and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or reconciled financial information in previous roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the position.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with UCL's research portfolio and the specific projects you might be working on. Knowing the ins and outs of their funding processes and compliance requirements will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully juggled various tasks or projects, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Practice articulating financial concepts in simple terms, and be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated with diverse stakeholders in previous roles. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and adaptability.