Research Support Administrator

The James Hutton Institute; Dundee; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization located in Dundee is looking for a Research Support Administrator to oversee funding applications and financial management of research projects. Candidates should have experience with project budgets and document management, as well as strong numerical and communication skills. A HNC in Finance or Business Administration is required. This role supports the organization’s important work on global issues such as climate change and food security.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Commitment to equality and diversity

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• 5 standard grades or equivalent necessary.
• Experience in financial systems and project management required.
• Knowledge of submitting funding applications essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage research costings and funding applications.
• Handle post-award financial management.
• Assist in preparing project files for audits.

Skills

Financial management

Project administration

Document management

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

HNC in Finance or Business Administration

5 standard grades or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Research Support Administrator — The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, Scotland, UK

The James Hutton Group tackles problems at the top of the global agenda, including climate change and threats to food and water security. To support the delivery of our scientific colleagues we have a range of roles, and our Research Support team has a vacancy for a Research Support Administrator.

A working knowledge of preparing costings, managing project budgets, project administration, document management and working with databases is essential. Experience in the Educational or Research sectors is desirable. This post will be based in Dundee with occasional travel to other Hutton sites. You must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for this position.

Main Purpose of Job

The Research Support Administrator will work on aspects of research costings, funding applications, claims submission and financial management of awards under the guidance of the Research Support Manager and the Research Support Officers, in collaboration with other Research Support team members. In the first instance the focus will be on financial and budget management of awards.

Main Duties of Postholder

Pre-award costing and applications for funding

• Monitor the submission procedures and applicant eligibility criteria of funders
• Assist researchers with application requirements, including interpretation of funder terms and conditions and eligibility criteria
• Cost funding applications and administer the submission process
• Monitor the status of applications during the application process
• Record award notifications and administer award acceptance documentation, including reviewing terms and conditions of funding

Post-award financial administration

• Set up new projects for post-award financial management including initial budget profile
• Monitor budgets and respond to queries from PIs, management accountants, external sponsors and other project participants
• Update and maintain the project invoicing schedule and prepare invoice requests
• Prepare actual expenditure claims where required by funders
• Assist the Research Support Officers to prepare project files for auditing and retrieve back-up documentation from the financial system when required

Research project information

• Update project records for contractual changes, additional funding, extensions and budget reprofiling
• Help maintain the Institute's research information, including the research contracts database and related documentation
• Help prepare research information management reports and presentations, including data and text collation

General

• Provide cover for Research Support Officers as required
• Work with colleagues on the development and improvement of services across research support activities
• Other duties as required by the Research Support Manager

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

• 5 standard grades or equivalent
• HNC in Finance or Business Administration
• Working knowledge of costings, other financial experience, project administration, document management and working with databases
• Knowledge of financial systems
• Skilled in Microsoft applications software (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Working knowledge of post-award research project financial management
• Experience working in a higher education or research organisation
• Working knowledge of preparing costings, submitting funding applications to UK, European and International funding agencies and managing project budgets

Desirable

• Working knowledge of post-award research project financial management
• Experience working in a higher education or research organisation
• Working knowledge of preparing costings and submitting funding applications to UK, European and International funding agencies and managing project budgets

Other Skills

• Excellent numerical skills
• Strong communication skills
• Well organised
• Attention to detail with high standards of accuracy

Additional notes/Requirements

• The postholder is expected to work well within a team setting in addition to acting independently and on own initiative in appropriate areas.
• Willing to travel within the UK.

Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position. The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer. The Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.

The Company

The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research and contributes to understanding global issues such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions.

James Hutton was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment and is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology. His thinking influenced Charles Darwin in developing the theory of evolution.

Our Values

We respect and value our people and the people we engage with

We want to make a difference

We strive to be excellent in everything we do

We lead by example

We foster creativity and innovation

Documents

Required Experience: Unclear Seniority