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- Tasks: Lead the UK's engagement with Horizon Europe's ERC funding programme and support research communities.
- Company: Join UK Research and Innovation, a leader in research funding and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK research while collaborating with European institutions.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and experience in EU research funding required.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 46743 £ per year.
Salary: £46,743. Band: UKRI Band E. Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years). Hours: Full-time/ Part Time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available). Location: Swindon, with regular travel to Brussels, Belgium - Hybrid working available. Closing Date: Thursday 4th June 2026.
About the role
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is recruiting a National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Research Council (ERC) to lead the UK’s engagement with Europe’s flagship funding programme for frontier research under Horizon Europe. Based within the Horizon Europe Engagement Team in UKRI International, the role works closely across UKRI and government to strengthen the UK’s participation in and success with ERC funding. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the European research and policy environment, influence programme development, and support the UK research community to access world‑leading funding opportunities.
As a recognised expert, the ERC NCP provides authoritative advice, guidance and practical support to UK applicants and funded projects across all ERC schemes, covering the full project lifecycle. The post leads the delivery of ERC NCP services on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), including oversight and line and/or task management of NCP colleagues. Responsibilities span awareness‑raising, training, policy monitoring, engagement and collaboration with the wider European NCP network. The role involves regular engagement with European institutions and UK partners, contributions to communications and briefings, and requires excellent communication and networking skills, confidence speaking publicly to diverse audiences, and the ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment.
Your responsibilities:
- Provide expert guidance and support to UK organisations across all sectors to help them understand and participate successfully in the European Research Council (ERC) within Horizon Europe and future EU Framework Programmes, in line with European commission NCP principles.
- Manage a diverse and largely self-directed portfolio of work, balancing intelligence-gathering, reporting and stakeholder services to deliver high-impact, added‑value support to the UK research and innovation community.
- Deliver outreach and engagement activities using a range of channels, including events, webinars, briefings, online resources, newsletters and one-to-one support.
- Act as the primary liaison with the European Commission and ERC Executive Agency, attending relevant meetings and working closely with NCP counterparts across Member States and Associated Countries to maintain strong collaborative relationships.
- Monitor and interpret EU research and innovation policy developments, analysing and sharing timely, high-quality intelligence with UK stakeholders.
- Work closely with UKRI councils, DSIT and key stakeholder bodies (such as academies and sector representative organisations) to provide tailored insights and policy support relating to the ERC.
- Contribute actively to the ERC NCP Coordination and Support Action (CSA), delivering agreed activities and outputs.
- Lead and develop colleagues, providing line and/or task management, mentoring and training across the ERC portfolio.
- Operate as a core member of the UKRI Horizon Europe Engagement Team, collaborating across UKRI and DSIT to support joined-up delivery and initiatives to boost UK participation in Horizon Europe.
This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list. The post-holder might be expected to undertake any other duties, commensurate with the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post holder has the necessary experience and/or training.
Personal Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent relevant experience (S).
- A strong understanding of the UK and European research and innovation funding landscape, with experience supporting or enabling engagement in EU research and innovation programmes (S&I).
- Ability to demonstrate initiative, think creatively and analytically to explore new ideas, investigate complex of ambiguous issues and develop clear well-reasoned proposals and practical solutions (S&I).
- Leading and driving projects, demonstrating sound project management and organisational skills, including the use of effective change management mechanisms (S&I).
- The ability to multi-task, work flexibly and to plan, prioritise and manage delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects and activities with different timescales priorities and delivery mechanisms, working individually and as part of a team (S&I).
- Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to interpret and present information to a wide range of audiences, with clear and concise messaging and provide advice suitable for senior executives and decision-makers (S&I).
- A demonstrable ability to influence, negotiate and work with people of all levels and internationally to build productive relationships and effective partnerships (S&I).
- Ability to lead, motivate and manage people effectively while contributing constructively within cross‑organisational and matrix teams to achieve collective goals (S&I).
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
A list of benefits below:
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
- Plus, many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation.
Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.
For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Lead Horizon Europe National Contact Point (ERC) in Swindon employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Horizon Europe National Contact Point (ERC) in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the research and innovation scene. Attend events, webinars, and conferences to meet potential colleagues and collaborators. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to speak or present, make sure you highlight your knowledge of the ERC and Horizon Europe. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after meetings! If you’ve had a chat with someone important, drop them a quick email to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re keen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows you’re serious about joining us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Horizon Europe National Contact Point (ERC) in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Lead Horizon Europe National Contact Point. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: We want to see your knowledge of the UK and European research funding landscape. Include specific examples of how you've supported or engaged with EU research programmes in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your messaging is easy to follow and directly addresses the key responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK and European research funding landscape. Brush up on Horizon Europe and the European Research Council (ERC) specifics, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse audiences in the past.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously. Highlight specific instances where you've balanced competing priorities and delivered results, showcasing your organisational skills.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires strong networking abilities. Think of examples where you've influenced or negotiated effectively with others. Be prepared to explain how you can build productive relationships within the European research community.