Funding Manager, Cells, Systems and Tools

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

At the heart of our new strategy is the recognition that advances in health often come from unexpected sources, and that curiosity-driven discovery research is vital to understanding how life works. Discovery research is therefore a key part of the Wellcome strategy; providing researchers from different backgrounds the resources they need to take on big questions and overcome barriers to progress.

We are looking for a Funding Manager - Cells, Systems and Tools to join our team for a fixed term contract (end date: May 2027). Research Funding is responsible for the operational management, governance, and support of all Wellcome’s grant funding activities. This role is in the Funding Management team, which delivers and manages funding schemes, targeted calls, major investments, and one-off applications. We work closely with colleagues in Strategic Programmes, Legal, and Finance to implement funding activities. We manage the full lifecycle of grant applications—from submission and review to award—for Discovery Research and Data for Science and Health.

You’ll manage a portfolio of grants across the full life cycle—carrying out due diligence, coordinating expert reviews and funding advisory committees, providing clear written feedback, making awards and responding to queries—so applications are handled fairly, efficiently and on time. You’ll be a trusted point of contact for our research community, working with colleagues to enable world‑class research through inclusive, transparent processes.

As a Funding Manager, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of grants throughout their lifecycle – from application and due diligence to award and post‑award queries – ensuring processes are fair, efficient and timely.
• Coordinate expert reviews and funding committees by identifying appropriate reviewers, overseeing communications and enabling good governance and effective decision‑making.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback by distilling complex committee discussions into accurate, accessible advice for applicants.
• Act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance to applicants and colleagues on funding policies, assessment processes and best practice.
• Ensure smooth grant management post‑award by handling queries, monitoring compliance and enabling grant holders to deliver successful outcomes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by mentoring new team members, advancing funding initiatives and helping shape policies and processes that promote inclusivity and efficiency.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have experience in the research environment, understand funding processes, and can manage complex priorities with confidence. Strong communication, analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively. If you’re organised, adaptable and keen to make a positive impact on world-class research, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience of academic research environment and/or strong understanding of research funding mechanisms and educated to at least degree level in a relevant science subject (in topics such as cell biology, developmental biology and physiology).
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage large workloads, and work to deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information, and tailor it for specific audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills - ability to quickly build the trust of internal and external stakeholders.

Optional Application Questions:

Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

Our Hybrid Way of Working: We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

Wellcome isn’t just a supporter of great ideas, it’s a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.