At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead costing for research grants and support application submissions in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the University of Cambridge, a leader in health research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, pension schemes, and a fun work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health research while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in research grants administration or accounts, with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of an evolving team during an exciting merger and growth phase.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Department of Clinical Biochemistry (IMS-MRL) is a leading centre for research into the causes and consequences of metabolic diseases, bringing together clinicians, scientists and population health experts to advance understanding and improve human health. Soon to be merging with the Epidemiology Unit, the IMS-MRL is entering an exciting period of change.
As part of this transition, the Professional Services finance team is evolving to support a larger, more complex organisational structure, creating new opportunities to shape processes, strengthen financial oversight, and contribute to long‑term sustainability. You will be joining a team that is contributing to a dynamic research community at a pivotal and forward‑looking moment.
The role holder will support the Department's research by leading the costing process for new grants, ensuring all costs are accounted for, and helping with the administrative aspects of application submissions. They will also analyse and report on existing and closing grants, forecasting expenditure to enable Principal Investigators (PIs) to manage their awards as well as providing any other administrative assistance required in the grant process and across the Finance team.
In addition, the role holder will also contribute to finance tasks such as updating the finance system, coding expense claims and amending payroll coding. You will have previous research grants administration or accounts experience and experience of financial reporting, analysis and forecasting. You will be an experienced user of Microsoft Office suite and ideally have some knowledge of grant applications and University finance systems.
In addition, you will have excellent communication skills, a high level of attention to detail as well as being self‑motivated and able to work to tight deadlines.
Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits and services which include discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax‑efficient bicycle, car lease and charity‑giving schemes. The professional services team is a friendly, fun team to work in where your contribution to health research will be valued.
Please contact Michael Hood, Business and Operations Manager for informal enquiries. Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online. Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 11th January 2026
Interview date: Expected to be held on 23rd January
Please quote reference RG48378 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Grants and Finance Coordinator x2 in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Grants and Finance Coordinator x2 in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Cambridge, especially in the finance or research grants departments. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the department's recent projects and challenges. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their exciting changes and long-term sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but don’t sound rehearsed. We want to see your personality shine through! Use examples from your past experience that highlight your attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Grants and Finance Coordinator x2 in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining our team and how you can contribute to the dynamic research community at the University of Cambridge.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences match the job description. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your previous research grants administration or accounts experience!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see how you fit the role!
Don’t Forget the Details: Double-check your application for any typos or missing information, especially when it comes to your referees. We want to ensure everything is in order, so take a moment to review before hitting 'submit' on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Grants Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of research grants and finance. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes related to grant applications, costing, and financial reporting. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accuracy in financial roles, be prepared to discuss examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was in managing budgets or preparing reports, highlight how your meticulous nature can benefit the team at the University of Cambridge.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As you'll be working closely with Principal Investigators and other team members, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles, and think of examples where you’ve facilitated collaboration among different stakeholders.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the role and the department's future. Ask about the upcoming merger with the Epidemiology Unit and how it might impact the finance team. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your forward-thinking mindset.