Senior Research Funding Associate

Job description

We are looking for a new member of the Pre-Award Health Team in the Research Grants and Contracts department at King’s College London. The post holder will:  

• provide efficient and effective pre-award service for members of King’s College London staff who are engaged in research. 
• have delegated authority and responsibility to advise and submit official costs on behalf of the College and to approve and submit research applications for a specific academic area of King’s.  
• accept grants and negotiate contractual agreements related to grants. 
• provide guidance to other Pre-Award Health Team staff on complex applications and awards. 
• as required by the Pre-Award Health Team Lead and the Director of Pre-Award, line manage a small number of Research Funding Associates within the Health Team. 
• contribute towards the formulation of policy and processes regarding research grant matters and develop (or continue to develop) their own expertise in research funding.
• represent Pre-Award Health Team, as needed, in relationship building/meetings with the academic and professional services community at King’s.

The Pre-Award Health Team supports the Faculties of Life Science and Medicine, Dental, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and each team member manages a portfolio of projects across the Faculties. 

This post will be based with the Health Team, but may be allocated to another campus team, as required by business needs. King’s has a hybrid working policy and the post will primarily be based at Guy’s Campus, however flexibility is required to be at any Campus where needed. Flexibility with regards to location of work will therefore be required.

Candidates should have experience of supporting grant applications and advising on project budgets, preferably in a university environment. This role will be subject to developments and adaptations according to institutional needs. Resilience and capacity to adapt in constant changing environment is an essential part of the role.

This post will be offered on an indefinite contract.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria  

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification or equivalent experience in the university/higher education sector 
• Relevant work experience in research grants support in the university/ higher education sector 
• Ability to analyse and present information with a focus on specific requirements of funding schemes and university policy 
• Knowledge of research funding landscape in the UK and/or internationally, including knowledge of grants and funders requirements 
• Able to produce highly accurate budgets in line with funder guidelines, and practical, sound numeracy skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of people in a positive and helpful manner whilst being capable of firmly maintaining university policies 
• Proven organisational, problem solving and administrative skills 
• Ability to work well under pressure whilst maintaining consistently high levels of accuracy and attention to detail, and to be able to prioritise work in the face of shifting priorities 

Desirable criteria

• Direct experience handling the pre-award aspects of research funding mechanisms in a university 
• Knowledge of full economic costing methodology 
• Knowledge and/or direct experience of negotiation of awards/contracts related to research grants 
• Line management experience 
• Familiarity with clinical research projects, including clinical trials administration and experience of working with NHS Trusts. 

Closing date: 26 May 2024