Research Grants Officer

THE ROLE:

The role requires someone with experience in grants administration or management, especially within the medical research charity sector. This role often requires travel to scientific conferences nationally and on occasion internationally (Europe or North America).  A background in Life Sciences would be helpful but is not mandatory. Research Grants experience is extremely valued. An understanding of cancers affecting children and/or teenagers & young adults would also be valuable.  Experience with any grant management system is helpful, experience with the Flexi-Grant management system would be excellent.  It is a small team of two others and the role offers a lot of travel opportunities to national/international events as well as working on exciting new projects. The career opportunity to progress to take on more responsibility as the team expands due to heavy investment over the last year is guaranteed.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

Our client is one of the UK’s largest charities dedicated to understanding what causes children and young people to develop cancer, to develop improved treatments and survival and to provide care for those affected and their families. The Charity’s team is dedicated to putting into practice the aims as laid down by the Charity’s Aims and Objects under the guidance of the Trustees and members of the Scientific Advisory Panel.

Research within the Charity is undergoing an exciting time as the investment into world class medical research has increased. The Research Grants Officer role is designed to strengthen our research grant management process and the administration of our research portfolio. The post holder will play a supporting role, helping to grow the Charity’s capacity to fund more high-quality research. He/she will report directly to the Charity’s Research Grants Manager, who in turn reports to the Head of Research who carries out the aims and objectives as determined by the Trustees/CEO.

The post holder is responsible for administering the grant application process including launching funding schemes, processing application review and the routine management of existing grant awards. The post holder must also be available to represent the Charity at external meetings and conferences where appropriate.

The post holder will be part of the secretariat to the Charity’s Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), organising meetings and equipping them with the necessary information to fulfil their role. The post holder will provide support to the Research Grants Manager to ensure the Charity supports only the highest quality research and that the programme’s outputs are continually reviewed – maximising the impact of the Charity’s research investment.

GRANTS:

• Act as the initial contact for active grant holders, dealing with routine enquires.
• Processing and recording of grant payments and assisting the Research Grants Manager with budget forecasts.
• Issue and collect interim reports from grant holders and assist the Research Grants Manager to assess the impact of the research performed.
• Assisting the Research Grants Manager to implement and update relevant best practice procedures to ensure transparent and robust assessment process. Also assist with wider funding policy issues associated with governance.
• Assist in managing records kept on the online grants management system (Flexi Grant) and aid with the implementation of new systems for grants reporting.
• Maintain accurate records both electronically and hard copy.
• Respond to enquiries about the Charity’s funded research from the public.

ESSENTIAL:

• Education to degree level ideally
• Experience of grants management and the processes involved in pre and post grant administration or other relevant experience.
• Understanding of the scientific and research peer review process
• Experience using Flexi-Grant
• Experience of supporting advisory committees.
• Excellent multi-tasking organisational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective and collaborative internal and external relationships.
• Experience of the voluntary sector.
• Experience and knowledge of paediatric oncology.
• Knowledge of the UK medical landscape

Hours:  09.00am to 17.00pm

Hybrid Model:  3 days on site and 2 days from home

Holiday allowance: 25 days p/a, bank holidays, office closure between Christmas and New Years plus 1 day off on your birthday

5% pension