Research Funding Officer

MND Association; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Healthcare access

GP access

Life assurance

Salary sacrifice

Discount hub

Pension enhancement

Training opportunities

Hybrid working

Job summary

MND Association in Northampton seeks a Research Funding Officer to support administration and delivery of research funding competitions, ensuring fair and high-standard processes. You will work with researchers, reviewers and panels to coordinate funding rounds and improve systems.

Hybrid working with 1 day per week in our Northampton office; involvement in stakeholder engagement and development of research governance processes. Degree- or science-related background preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience using digital systems and databases such as Research Grant Management Systems, with confidence learning new platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to process, manage and check data accurately.
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Experience working independently and using initiative.
• A thorough and organised approach to record keeping and administration.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of competitive research funding rounds throughout the year.
• Coordinate Biomedical and Healthcare Research Advisory Panel meetings and documentation.
• Manage funding rounds and commissioning activities through the Research Grant Management System.
• Act as a subject matter expert for the Research Grant Management System, supporting colleagues across the team.
• Develop project plans and track activity against key deadlines.
• Prepare application summaries, agendas, outcome communications and meeting papers.
• Maintain accurate records of applicants, researchers, reviewers and panel members.
• Support peer review and rebuttal processes within agreed timescales.
• Provide guidance to researchers submitting funding applications.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute to operational effectiveness.

Skills

Digital systems experience

Excellent communication

Data processing

Numeracy

Excel proficiency

Deadline management

Independent working

Record keeping

Education

Degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Research Grant Management System

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and detail-focused professional to join our Research and Innovation team as a Research Funding Officer. The Research Funding Officer plays a vital role in supporting the administration and delivery of research funding competitions, ensuring applications are managed efficiently, fairly and to a high standard.

Working closely with researchers, reviewers, advisory panel members and colleagues across the organisation, the Research Funding Officer will help coordinate key funding processes and contribute to the delivery of high-quality research that advances understanding of motor neurone disease (MND). The Research Funding Officer will also support the ongoing development of systems, processes and stakeholder engagement activities that underpin successful research funding programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of competitive research funding rounds throughout the year.
• Coordinate Biomedical and Healthcare Research Advisory Panel meetings and documentation.
• Manage funding rounds and commissioning activities through the Research Grant Management System.
• Act as a subject matter expert for the Research Grant Management System, supporting colleagues across the team.
• Develop project plans and track activity against key deadlines.
• Prepare application summaries, agendas, outcome communications and meeting papers.
• Maintain accurate records of applicants, researchers, reviewers and panel members.
• Support peer review and rebuttal processes within agreed timescales.
• Provide guidance to researchers submitting funding applications.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute to operational effectiveness.

About You

Essential

• Experience using digital systems and databases such as Research Grant Management Systems, with confidence learning new platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to process, manage and check data accurately.
• Strong numeracy and attention to detail.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Experience working independently and using initiative.
• A thorough and organised approach to record keeping and administration.

Desirable

• Degree in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience working in research funding, grant administration or a similar environment.

Hybrid working Expectations: 1 day per week in our Northampton office

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

What We Offer

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development
• Hybrid working

About Us

MotorNeuroneDisease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes awayindependenceand it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND.Wefundground-breaking research. We campaign for better care.We’rehere for everyone who needs us. Because with MND,every daymatters.