Research Grants Officer

The IFS raises c. £7m in research funding each year, from a diverse range of funders. We are seeking a motivated individual to contribute to this key part of our activities by supporting the administration of funding proposals across the IFS’s portfolio. We typically submit around 50 grant proposals a year, and aim to have a strong pipeline of ideas in various stages of preparation.

You will play a key role supporting researchers in developing grant proposals, and (over time) administering awards. You will be the first point of contact for all research grant related queries. Your primary responsibility will be for pre-award processes, which means supporting researchers from the outset in putting together the various components of grant applications. You will be expected to guide researchers through call details, prepare budgets and other non-academic components of proposals, and ensure that funder requirements are met.

Over time, you will have the opportunity to become engaged with other aspects of grant administration beyond application, including: contract negotiation, in-flight grant management, end of grant reporting, and impact evaluation.

You will be expected to develop effective working relationships with researchers at all levels of seniority, as well as with the other Professional Services teams at the IFS. The job offers scope to develop an understanding of grants management in a fast-moving and lively environment, and to build skills and experience to support a career in research management.

Person specification

Essential

• Graduate or with equivalent qualification
• Keen and personable self-starter with ability to manage own workload, often under pressure
• Numerate, with experience of using spreadsheets and databases
• Strong IT skills, especially with Excel and Word
• Confidence in dealing with researchers at all levels, including senior academics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to manage a complex and varied portfolio of projects
• Some prior experience in an office work environment
• Collaborative team player with flexible attitude, and willingness to muck in

Desirable

• Prior experience of research grant administration either within a funding agency, or within the higher education sector/ independent research organisation sector would be advantageous 

Reports to: Head of Research Services

Location:  IFS’s Central London office, with hybrid working available.

Remuneration: From £30,000 depending on skills and experience, with performance-related increments and annual cost of living adjustments.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave, plus office closure days between Christmas and New Year; employer pension contributions (3% the first two years of service, and 7.5% after that); generous parental leave; study leave may be available to pursue relevant qualifications.

Application process: Click the 'Apply' button above to apply via BeApplied, where you will be asked to answer a few sift questions and upload a CV (maximum two pages). Those will be scored, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in person in our London office.

Commitment to diversity

We aim to foster a respectful and inclusive environment, in which people from all backgrounds feel – and are – welcome and valued. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, and flexible working arrangements wherever possible, so that staff can work in ways that suit their personal circumstances. Read more here.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

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