Senior Research Grants Officer

in an hour

The Senior Research Grants Officer will work in collaboration with the Research Funding team to deliver charity’s grant-making activities across the full funding lifecycle to ensure that our funding is administered responsibly, efficiently, and in a way that maximises impact for people affected by dementia. This role sits within the Research Directorate, building and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues across Finance and Fundraising.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grant Management

• Work closely with the Research Grants Manager in delivering the full lifecycle of ARUK's research funding schemes, from launch to funding decisions.
• Collaborate with the research community to ensure tailored advice is given to applicants, assessors, and committee members on ARUK’s funding schemes, eligibility, scientific fit, grant application processes and policies.
• Conduct due diligence on grant applications for completeness and scientific relevance; ensure accurate processing through the Grants Management System.
• Prepare high-quality documentation for review panels, including contributing to meeting paperwork, minutes and feedback.
• Select and assign appropriate reviewers and committee members, using expert knowledge to ensure quality and rigour in peer review.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of new funding schemes and strategic initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of the new Grants Management System.
• Contribute on all aspects of the grant application and review process as required, such as coordinating meetings, applicant interviews and other meeting logistics.

Stakeholder Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for applicants, reviewers, and grant holders, providing tailored guidance throughout the grant process.
• Deputise for the Research Grants Manager in meetings with senior stakeholders and partners.
• Represent ARUK at external meetings, workshops, and conferences where appropriate.
• Actively promote ARUK’s funding schemes to the research community.
• Establishes close working relationships (e.g. Fundraising, Communications, Finance) and develop efficient systems with key individuals to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of grant information.

Other Duties

• Maintain accurate records of ARUK’s research portfolio, including scientific coding of awards.
• Oversee monitoring and management of the Research Team email inbox, responding to relevant queries internally and externally, as required.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Experience working in research funding, ideally within a medical research funder, university, NHS, or research setting.
• Degree in life sciences or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Familiarity with the UK funding landscape and dementia research.
• Understanding of research peer review processes and best practice in research grant management.
• Excellent eye for detail with the ability to organise large volumes of information, especially in interpreting scientific content.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adhere to deadlines.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, placing value on equity and diversity.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining relationships, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good IT skills with the ability to work with grant management systems.
• Commitment to ARUK’s vision, mission and values.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to capture and summarise key information to different stakeholders.
• Organised and able to coordinate various projects concurrently.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to work.
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Collaborative team player who actively contributes to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organisational culture.

The closing date for applications is the 14th September 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.