Research Finance Manager in Oxford

Research Finance Manager in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 35681 - 41636 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage research grants from application to completion, ensuring excellent service and accurate reporting.
  • Company: Join the University of Oxford's Department of Chemistry, a leader in research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a commitment to equality and diversity.
  • Other info: Fixed-term role with opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of impactful research projects and collaborate with international partners.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in research grants management required.

The predicted salary is between 35681 - 41636 € per year.

An excellent opportunity has arisen in the Department of Chemistry for a Research Finance Manager to join a busy grants team that manages around 400 active research projects at any one time. The Department submits over 200 applications per year with a combined total value of over £150m. Chemistry projects are funded by a wide variety of funding bodies, and the nature of our work means there are numerous international collaborations and partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of grants from award application to completion, working closely with Academic Supervisors (PIs) to provide excellent service.
  • Prepare accurate costings and support sponsor applications to ensure timely submission with full documentation.
  • Activate and set up new projects and conduct ongoing monitoring, reporting, and follow‑up actions.
  • Liaise with sponsors, supervisors and other parties, producing reports as required.
  • Serve as the primary contact for all internal and external audit enquiries on research grant related matters.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Degree level education or equivalent experience, with substantial experience relevant to the role.
  • Understanding of the research grants sector and principles of good grant management.
  • Strong financial and IT skills.
  • Proven focus on professional service provision and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Well‑organised and able to prioritise and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines.

Employment Details

  • Fixed‑term position for 5 months; full‑time (part‑time hours considered).
  • The role is located at the Rodney Porter Building, Department of Chemistry, Sibthorp Road, Oxford, and operates under a hybrid arrangement with a minimum of 3 days per week on‑site.
  • Salary Grade 6 salary £35,681 – £41,636 per annum.

Equality and Diversity

The University of Oxford and the Department of Chemistry are Athena SWAN Silver award holders and are committed to equality and valuing diversity.

Research Finance Manager in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

The University of Oxford's Department of Chemistry offers an exceptional work environment for a Research Finance Manager, characterised by a commitment to equality and diversity, as evidenced by its Athena SWAN Silver award. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth through engagement with a diverse portfolio of international research projects, alongside flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant city of Oxford.

University of Oxford

Contact Detail:

University of Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Finance Manager in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the research finance sector, especially those at the University of Oxford. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of grant management and financial principles. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to managing research projects to show you're the right fit.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your organisational skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. This will highlight your ability to handle the busy environment of the grants team.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Finance Manager in Oxford

Grant Management
Financial Skills
IT Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with grant management and financial skills, as these are key to impressing us!

Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your past experiences relate to managing research grants. We want to see how you’ve handled similar responsibilities and challenges.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Know Your Grants Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you understand the different types of research grants and funding bodies relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects the department is currently managing, as well as any recent successes or challenges they've faced.

Showcase Your Financial Skills

Be prepared to discuss your financial management experience in detail. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or prepared costings for grant applications. This will demonstrate your strong financial skills and your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Highlight Your Interpersonal Skills

Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with academic supervisors, sponsors, or audit teams in the past. Emphasising your interpersonal skills will show that you can provide excellent service and build strong relationships.

Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

Prepare to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, especially when handling a large portfolio of grants. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive in a busy environment like theirs.