About the role
We are recruiting for a Research Support Officer to join the team on a 12-month secondment to the end of April. Please note that this role is open for internal applications only.
The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting the success and financial performance of UCL’s research activity. You will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues to support the timely review, costing, pricing and submission of research and innovation proposals, helping to ensure applications are accurate, compliant and positioned for success.
You will provide practical and informed advice on the costing and pricing of research activity, including funder terms and conditions, overhead recovery, TRAC and FEC methodology, and the treatment of direct and indirect costs. Working across a portfolio of applications, you will help departments navigate both standard and more complex funding calls, ensuring proposals are reviewed and approved in line with UCL processes, service standards and funder requirements.
The role also involves reviewing risk assessments and approvals, supporting the institutional authorisation process, and helping to ensure that reputational, financial and compliance risks are appropriately considered. You will liaise with funders, collaborators and internal colleagues where needed, and work across systems including Worktribe and funder portals to maintain accurate data and support effective proposal development and award set-up.
This is a varied role in a busy and collaborative environment, well suited to someone who enjoys working at pace, solving problems and providing a high-quality service.
About you
You will be educated to degree level or bring equivalent relevant experience gained in the workplace. You will have a strong understanding of research and innovation funding issues, along with experience of managing complex pieces of work and delivering to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
You will be confident analysing and interpreting detailed written documentation and using your judgement to identify issues, assess risk and support sound decision-making. You will also be comfortable explaining complex financial or procedural information clearly to non-specialists, adapting your approach for different audiences and building effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
We are looking for someone with a clear and professional communication style, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. You will be organised, responsive and able to prioritise effectively, while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and continuous improvement.
Experience of supporting research and/or innovation projects in a higher education environment would be desirable, as would experience of research or innovation management systems and costing software. Above all, you will bring a proactive and supportive approach, with the flexibility to work in a changing environment and contribute positively as part of a collaborative team.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
1. 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
2. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
3. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
4. On-Site nursery
5. On-site gym
6. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
7. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
8. Discounted medical insurance