Grant and Project Co-ordinator: The Rosalind Franklin Institute
The Rosalind Franklin Institute is a new national Research Centre, funded by the UK government through UK Research and Innovation, dedicated to bringing about transformative changes in life science through interdisciplinary research and technology.
The Franklin is in the process of completing its establishment phase and gearing up for expansion so this role joins at an exciting time for the Institute.
The newly created Grant and Project Co-ordinator role is a key position within the central operational team, supporting scientific and technology lead projects and grants reporting directly to the Financial Controller.
This role will lead, pre and post award grant administration activities and provide sound financial planning and monitoring support to both internal and external stakeholders, including the production of periodic reports.
The role is very much hands on working within a small, high performing operational team with a values based culture. The role requires accuracy, timely delivery, enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork.
In return, we offer a dynamic, challenging and rewarding environment with significant opportunity for personal growth and development.
Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:
General Grant and Project Administration
– Ownership of overall workflow relating to grant efforts, ensuring optimisation of all processes from project initiation through to completion
– Maintain accurate records and financial data for all the projects/grants
– Co-ordinate and maintain an up to date overview of the funding calendar, project milestones, reporting deadlines and other information relevant to forward compliance
– Track success of grant applications and other key metrics relevant to the Institute
– Responsible for cyclical review of processes and identification of updates to ensure that the processes remain relevant, efficient and valid.
– Engage and advise researchers and wider team in respect of new or updated processes and procedures relevant to project design, implementation and approval
Pre-Award Administration
– Undertake financial checks to ensure research applications are costed, accurately priced and well defined
– In partnership with researchers, preparation of a robust project plan including key milestones and financial forecast to enable effective monitoring, inform overall cash flow management at the Institute and promote consistency and compliance
– Identification of key issues associated with an award in terms of resource planning, risk management and intellectual property. Liaise with the Contracts Manager and others to ensure these issues are dealt with as appropriate
– Preparation of approval documentation and timely facilitation through all review, acceptance and approval processes.
Post-Award Administration and Management
– Coordination with Contracts Manager in respect of relevant collaboration and other legal agreements required
– Coordination with HR in respect of timing of recruitment with reference to project start date and resource requirements
– Coordination with Finance in particular, in respect of procurement, budget preparation and alignment and forecast impact on core funding requirement.
– Establish regular review meetings for tracking of expenditure incurred against budget and progress against key milestones. Ensuring compliance with internal and external obligations. Maintenance of project risk register
– Preparation of regular progress reports.
Other Duties
– Recommendation of innovative approaches to grant administration
– Assistance with ad hoc inquiries and other relevant activities as directed by the Financial Controller
Selection Criteria
Essential
• Demonstrable track record of successful grants management in research and finance administration within Higher Education, an NHS authority, or a research funding body
• Experience of using online funding portals such as JeS
• The ability to cost and price research applications effectively and accurately and prepare financial forecasts that meet the requirements of key stakeholders.
• Excellent numerical and IT skills and the ability to calculate, manipulate and present financial data
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail with an ability to prioritise and deliver to deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and successful track record operating within a small team
• Ability to communicate with professionalism and diplomacy with people at all levels throughout the organisation and externally
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to values-based behaviours in all you do
• Comfortable taking on new challenges and learning new skills Desirable
• Degree or Equivalent qualification/experience
• A Finance qualification or equivalent
• Previous experience of working in:
o A science-led organisation, and/ or
o A start-up company
o A charity
o Paperless setting
In return we offer
• 25 days holidays
• Generous pension scheme (employer’s contribution currently up to 18%)
• Training and development opportunities for staff at all levels
• Bus pass discount scheme
• Access to employee discount platform
• Subsidised canteen & Free on-site parking
• Campus location in beautiful countryside with social and sports clubs open to staff
Closing date: 8th February 2021 at 9:00am
Applicants should refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy https://www.rfi.ac.uk/candidate-privacy-policy/
Area: Operations
Location: Harwell
Type of Post: Full Time
Period of appointment: Permanent
Salary: £30,000 – £37,000 per annum (more for an exceptional candidate)
Closing Date: 08/02/2021
Ref No: 10109