Funding Administrator

UK Research and Innovation; Swindon; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Funding Administrator to provide administrative support for MRC's funding opportunities. The ideal candidate will excel in attention to detail, organization, and communication. This role includes processing applications, managing information, and engaging with a collaborative team. Competitive salary of £25,842 per annum offered.

Qualifications

• Experience of working independently.
• Ability to work in a flexible way.
• Experience of managing multiple activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to MRC's Boards and Panels team.
• Track the expert review process for funding applications.
• Support MRC staff to ensure smooth running of funding meetings.
• Manage information and records.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Prioritisation skills

Effective communication

Collaborative skills

Proactive initiative

Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook

Education

GCSE Maths and English or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

Funding Administrator

Salary: £25,842 per annum

Grade: UKRI - Band B

Location: Swindon, Polaris House

Contract type: Open Ended

Hours: Full time / part time (25 hours minimum)

Closing date: 8th December 2025

About the role

As a Funding Administrator you will provide administrative support to the MRC's Boards and Panels team which delivers funding through MRC research funding opportunities. You will work closely with administrative colleagues and wider team members in a collaborative environment to contribute to team objectives, supporting MRC’s mission to improve human health through world‑class medical research.

Interviews will take place at Polaris House, Swindon. Please include a cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria for this role.

Specific tasks you will deliver include

• Use in‑house systems to undertake application processing
• Track the expert review process, by which applications for funding are assessed
• Identify conflict of interests within the peer review process
• Support MRC staff to ensure smooth running of funding meetings
• Attend funding meetings (in person & virtual)
• Respond to questions from the external research community
• Raise purchase orders
• Manage information and records, ensuring that documents are filed correctly and updated as necessary
• Engage proactively with the cross‑matrix resource model providing support for additional MRC funding opportunities and other projects
• Undertake other administrative duties, as required

Skills, Qualification and Experience

S = Assessed at Shortlisting

I = Assessed at Interview

Essential

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy (S,I)
• Good organisational skills and experience of managing multiple activities (S,I)
• Strong prioritisation skills and confident working to tight deadlines (S,I)
• Experience of working independently (S,I)
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with a range of colleagues and external contacts (S,I)
• Experience of working collaboratively as part of a team (S,I)
• Ability to work in a flexible way and be confident in managing change (S,I)
• Ability to work proactively and use initiative to deliver results (S,I)
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook (S,I)
• Literacy and numerical skills – e.g. 4/C Grade in GCSE Maths and English or equivalent (S)

Desirable

• Knowledge of UKRI and grant processing (S,I)
• Knowledge of TFS, Oracle and Microsoft Teams (S)

The Swindon office is based in the Polaris House Campus and MRC operates a flexible working policy.

You may be required at times to attend meetings outside of Swindon, e.g. in London, sometimes with an occasional overnight stay. Notice will be given with accommodation and/or travel being provided.

Please apply online. If you have any issues applying, please contact [e-mail]

How to apply

Online applications only are preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and cover letter which clearly outline how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a cover letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted cover letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

Disability Confident Employer

As a disability confident employer we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who opt‑in to the scheme and meet the minimum criteria for the role. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.