The University
At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.
We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.
Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.
The Role and the Department
Based within Research and Innovation Services, you will play a key role in the financial administration of postgraduate research studentships across Durham. You'll work closely with the newly launching Doctoral School, academic departments, and other central departments (for example Student Immigration and Funding Service, HR/Payroll) to support our research training programmes.
You'll specialise in the post-award management of Training Grants, managing their financial lifecycle from initial allocation through to final reconciliation. This includes coordinating matched and commercial funding with external partners. You'll develop expertise in funder financial regulations whilst helping to establish processes for Durham's new Doctoral School.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
* Deliver comprehensive financial management for UKRI training grants (AHRC, ESRC, EPSRC, etc.) and non-UKRI studentships (Leverhulme, Wellcome Trust, commercial sponsors)
* Authorise stipend, fee, and salary payments in accordance with funder terms and conditions
* Manage grant reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial data for funder reports, final claims, and partner reporting
* Prepare and submit financial reports, support annual returns, and provide data for grant monitoring and audits
* Manage invoicing for commercial sponsors and lead partners, ensuring timely recovery of funds
* Set up and maintain project codes, student codes, workpackages, and purchase orders for Training Grant consortia
Compliance & Data Management
* Provide guidance on funder financial rules and budgetary requirements
* Ensure full compliance with funder financial regulations and University financial procedures
* Track studentship quotas against funding codes for accurate external reporting
* Maintain accurate financial records and data integrity across multiple systems
Match Funding & External Partnerships
* Support the translation of planned match commitments into formal external contracts (e.g., converting cash match for Centres for Doctoral Training into contract requests with appropriate financial and project details)
* Track University studentship match funding commitments, working to convert internal contributions into external partner funding where feasible
* Coordinate financial setup for industry co-funded studentships (e.g., IDLA arrangements)
* Provide financial information and guidance on funder regulations to support training grant competitions
Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
* Plan, organise, and prioritise your workload autonomously, balancing operational demands with longer-term projects
* Build productive working relationships with the Doctoral School, academic departments, and central finance teams
* Provide clear management information and data analysis to the Doctoral School and Postgraduate Research (PGR) Faculty Leads
* Explain complex financial regulations to non-financial stakeholders in an accessible way
* Contribute to establishing effective financial processes as the Doctoral School launches
* Work collaboratively, championing respect, inclusivity, equality, and diversity
The base location for this role is Boldon House, our exciting new professional services hub. Boldon House is situated on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings a number of professional services teams together in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working. To find out more, visit the project webpage: Boldon House – Durham University.
Working at Durham
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:
• You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.
Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion
Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.
What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.
Your application should cover the following criteria:
Essential Criteria
Qualifications/Experience
1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
2. Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of project based services.
3. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, within a HEI or Research Institution environment.
4. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
5. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
6. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications.
7. Committed to continuing professional development.
8. Ability to work with numbers confidently and accurately
9. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
10. Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
Desirable Criteria
1. Experience in Post Graduate processes.
2. Familiarity with research funding or student finance systems
3. Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements
4. Experience using financial or database systems
5. Experience establishing new processes or working in change environments
How to apply
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.
Submitting your application
We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails
What you are required to submit:
• A CV
• A covering letter or statement which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification
Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Ashleigh Adey would be happy to speak to you;
Typical Role Requirements
Service Delivery
· Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University's values.
· Ensure that the University's procedures and values are always reflected in all aspects of the service provided and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
· Provide specialist advice and make decisions to resolve problems relating to the services you are responsible.
· Use your experience and problem-solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relevant to your role and make recommendations based on your findings.
· Manage, maintain and monitor designated equipment, facilities, and systems to ensure safety, security and compliance.
· Provide the best possible service to staff, students and others who you work with by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
· Collect and record data and information accurately.
· Organise and analyse data and statistics to ensure it is accurate and provide reports to senior colleagues.
· Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and information.
Planning and Organising
· Plan and organise your workload to deliver the role.
· Plan, manage and deliver assigned projects, activities and events in accordance with agreed objectives.
· Supervise the work of staff and teams involved in delivering events, project work or core operational service.
· Seek feedback from staff, students and anyone else that you come across as part of your role to ensure that the service is updated to meet customer expectations.
· Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services, and provide related advice and guidance to other staff.
Communication/Liaison
· Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.
· Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.
· Build relationships with contractors and third-party suppliers to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
· Any other reasonable duties.
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.
When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.