At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research funding applications and manage project administration in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university known for its innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, and on-site gym access.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and professional growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in research support with exposure to major funding programmes.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36433 - 41833 £ per year.
Ref Number: B09-01382
Professional Expertise: Research and Research Support
Department: Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) (B09)
Location: London
Working Pattern: Full time
Salary: £36,433-£41,833
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Type: Hybrid
Available for Secondment: No
Closing Date: 09-Jul-2026
About us: UCL is a world-leading research-intensive university, consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with an annual turnover of more than £2 billion and a thriving international community of students and staff. Our research and innovation activity continues to grow in scale, ambition and impact, supporting groundbreaking work across a hugely diverse portfolio of externally funded projects. Research and Innovation Services (RIS) plays a vital role in supporting UCL’s academic community across the full research and innovation lifecycle. From securing funding and managing awards to providing expert advice on contracts, compliance and collaborations, RIS delivers specialist support that enables world-class research to flourish.
About the role: We are seeking a proactive and highly organised Research Support Assistant to join the European & International (EU&I) team within Award Services, part of UCL's Research and Innovation Services. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in research administration and gain exposure to some of the world's most significant research funding programmes, including Horizon Europe and US Federal funding schemes. Working closely with experienced Research Managers, you will provide high-quality administrative support across the research funding lifecycle, helping academics navigate funding applications and supporting the setup of research awards. You will play an important role in maintaining accurate records, coordinating information, supporting project administration, and ensuring that funder and institutional requirements are met. This role offers a unique opportunity to build knowledge of international research funding, develop expertise in research administration systems and processes, and work with a wide range of stakeholders across one of the world's leading universities. If you enjoy working with detail, managing multiple priorities, and providing excellent customer service, we would love to hear from you.
About you: You will be an organised and motivated individual with excellent administrative skills and a strong attention to detail. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, working accurately with large volumes of information, and communicating effectively with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders. You may already have some knowledge of research funding or higher education, or you may be looking to build your experience in this area. Most importantly, you will bring strong numeracy, literacy and IT skills, a collaborative approach to teamwork, and a commitment to delivering a professional and efficient service. This role would particularly suit someone interested in developing a long-term career in research support and administration, who enjoys learning new systems and processes and takes pride in providing high-quality support in a fast-paced environment.
What we offer: 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 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 Support Assistant - EC employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions research excellence and innovation. As part of the Research Support team, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance of 41 days, and a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion. Located in London, you will be at the heart of a world-leading university, collaborating with top researchers and gaining invaluable experience in international research funding.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Support Assistant - EC
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UK Dementia Research Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Support Assistant - EC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UK Dementia Research Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UK Dementia Research Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UK Dementia Research Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UK Dementia Research Institute to drive research projects forward.
