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- Tasks: Support audit and compliance activities for UCL's research funding.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university with a rich history of inclusivity.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and more!
- Why this job: Be part of a new team shaping research funding assurance at a leading institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in research finance or grants administration is essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Playing a key role in supporting UCL's research portfolio of around 6,000 active research awards and contracts, with annual research income of approximately £500m, 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.
As part of this work, Award Services is establishing a new Research Funding Assurance team. This function will strengthen governance and oversight across research grant management, ensuring robust compliance with funder requirements while supporting a consistent, high-quality service for UCL's research community.
The Research Funding Assurance Administrator is a key role within this new team, providing hands-on support for audit, assurance and compliance activity across UCL's externally funded research portfolio. Working closely with the Research Funding Assurance Manager and wider Award Services colleagues, the role focuses on ensuring that assurance processes are well coordinated, evidence is complete and accurate, and activities are delivered to agreed timelines.
The postholder will support funder and project audits, including coordinating documentation, tracking actions and liaising with academic departments and professional services teams to ensure information is readily available and audit requirements are met. The role will also contribute to internal financial assurance activity, such as year-end processes, monitoring compliance risks and supporting the development and maintenance of clear, consistent procedures.
Alongside audit support, the role will help maintain accurate records, monitor agreed metrics and contribute to improving processes and ways of working. As part of a new and evolving team, the postholder will play an active role in shaping how assurance activity is delivered in practice, supporting a culture of consistency, learning and continuous improvement.
You will have experience of working in a research finance, grants administration or financial administration environment, with a good understanding of funder requirements, compliance processes or audit activity. You will be highly organised, numerate and detail-focused, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
You will be confident working with financial systems and data, and comfortable coordinating information across different teams and stakeholders. Strong communication skills and a professional, service-oriented approach are essential, as the role involves regular liaison with academic colleagues, professional services teams and, at times, external auditors.
You will be proactive and adaptable, able to work within defined processes while also contributing ideas for improvement. Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to join a new team, develop your expertise in research funding assurance, and support the delivery of a robust, transparent and effective service for UCL's research community.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 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
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.
Research Funding Assurance Assistant employer: UCL
Contact Detail:
UCL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assurance Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of research funding and compliance processes. We want to see that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about supporting UCL’s research community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! During the interview, share examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a busy environment like UCL.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assurance Assistant
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 Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed compliance processes or worked in research finance. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us focus on your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of research funding and compliance processes. Familiarise yourself with UCL's research portfolio and the specific requirements of funders. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re genuinely engaged with the work they do.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Research Funding Assurance Assistant, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or deadlines. Highlight how you maintained accuracy while juggling various responsibilities, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've effectively liaised with different teams or stakeholders in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your service-oriented approach.
✨Be Proactive and Adaptable
The role involves contributing ideas for improvement, so come prepared with suggestions on how assurance processes could be enhanced. Show that you’re adaptable and willing to learn, which is crucial for being part of a new team. This attitude will set you apart from other candidates.