Job Description

Job Scope:

The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK dedicated to promoting excellence in science. The organisation runs a range of grant schemes, supporting early career and senior scientists pursuing both discovery led and applied research, investing in industry and innovation schemes, working with partners overseas to facilitate international collaborations and strengthening research capacity in developing countries. In addition, the Society provides a range of activities to support the development of the next generation of research leaders including opportunities for training, mentoring, support and networking.

We are now looking for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate, with excellent organisational and time management skills and strong attention to detail to join our Grants team, with a focus on our Newton International Fellowships Scheme. This post would suit a candidate that can multitask and who enjoys handling high volume caseloads and working in a fast-paced environment.

Working as part of a team, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the day-to-day management and administration of the Newton International Fellowships Scheme. They will be the main point of contact for applicants, peer reviewers and award holders. Experience of research management or working in a grant funding environment is desirable but not essential.

The postholder will be expected to:To deliver the application, selection and awarding process for defined research funding calls, in accordance with agreed standards To act as a knowledgeable liaison for external researchers and administrators, providing advice, guidance and support on RS funding schemes, policies and grant management approach To support ongoing improvement in the context of grant-making and scheme development


Reports to: Programme Manager, International Grants
Line manages: N/A
Location: Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working
Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week
Pay Band: C
Salary: 38,955
Contract: 6 month, fixed-term, maternity cover

Application closing date: 23 November 2025

Interview dates: 2 - 4 December 2025

Responsibilities:
To manage relationship with applicants as main point of contact throughout application process, preparing call documentation/forms, answering enquiries via email/phone To manage relationship with Panel members and external peer reviewers, including reviewing panel membership needs on annual basis, identifying and recruiting new members in line with diversity, equity and inclusion principles, inducting and retiring members To conduct selection processes, including carrying out eligibility checks, managing panel assessment and external peer review, arranging applicant interviews and recording panel decisions To act as Committee Secretary, supporting Chair and panel in an equitable award decision-making process, providing accurate information on all applications and briefings on funding related developments, organising meetings and preparing minutes To carry-out post-Panel meeting outcomes, including preparing Grants Committee paperwork, preparing and issuing Award Letters, reviewing award financial breakdowns, setting up awards and payment profiles To monitor progress of individual grants and manage individual case work decisions, including administer change requests, financial management of tenure changes, review annual reports and provide support, as main point of contact for award holders To close grants, including scheduling and reviewing final reports and conducting reconciliation To provide payment profile information for payment authorisation and assist budgeting and forecasting To support the promotion of funding schemes and calls to key audiences, including giving presentations and participation in events To be responsible for accurate record keeping and data collection/retention, and provision of data, analysis, reports & summaries of award/scheme-level information as required Work collaboratively with others to support continuous ongoing improvement and implementation of good practice in the context of grant-making, including contributing to review of documentation, procedures and processes and scheme development/evaluation to ensure funding provision is relevant for the science community and is delivered efficiently and effectively To support activities within the Grants team aimed at increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion including encouraging participation from under-represented groups and supporting the development and maintenance of policies and practices to foster greater inclusivity and to ensure that those who have followed a non-standard career path are encouraged to apply To role model desired behaviours in line with the Grants Team Charter To share experience and ideas with others in the Section and the Society and contributing broadly to the Royal Society's mission and priorities.

Key Knowledge and Skills Required:
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE


Educated to degree standard or equivalent Essential


A good understanding of academic and/or research activities in science Desirable


A good understanding of procedures and best practice in research funding and/or grant making Desirable


Science degree Desirable





SKILLS


Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills Essential


Excellent organisational and time management skills Essential


Strong IT skills Essential


Good presentational skills Desirable


Strong influencing and negotiation skills Desirable


Strong attention to detail Essential


Excellent numeracy skills Essential





EXPERIENCE


Experience of working in a team and across teams Essential


Experience of effective internal and external engagement with people at all levels of seniority, including managing meetings and events Essential


Experience of funding research and/or grant making Desirable


Experience of using IT to collect, analyse and manipulate data accurately Essential


Competencies:

Self-management

Works unsupervised and can motivate self Produces results under pressure Can manage in stressful situations Pushes for the best results

Working with others

Contributes ideas and identifies opportunities to work with others both within the team and across the organisation Willing to provide feedback to sectional colleagues when requested Produces succinct presentations and papers for senior colleagues Understands when to seek senior advice on potentially delicate negotiations

Resource management

Makes the best of internal/external resources and coordinates well with external partners to best meet the needs of the Society Builds contingency into projects taking into account possible outside factors Sets and monitors performance against quality and results orientated targets. Focuses on both short and long-term goals

Critical thinking

Determines and clarifies the exact requirements of any situation Checks information for accuracy and raises concerns if information is inaccurate Extracts the key points succinctly, clearly and accurately Puts forward suggestions for improvement concerning current processes or systems Tries different ways of doing things to get the best results

Adaptability

Overcomes obstacles and is not deterred by setbacks; checks assumptions and first principles and works out alternative approaches Reacts proactively to new challenges and works in a flexible manner to produce solutions Provides feedback and participates in discussions surrounding new ideas approaches or projects

Managing people and relationships

Delegates effectively, setting clear expectations and authority Monitors results and feedbacks to team on a regular basis Recognises others' contributions and acknowledges their limits Helps others to identify ways to improve their performance Prioritises supervisory responsibilities and carries them out in a timely fashion * Understands and can identify client/stakeholder/staff needs and looks for opportunities to improve their experiences