Job Description

To apply for this role you must have:

Experience of research grants administration, both pre- and post-award*
Experience of using the X5 costing tool in a University context*
Excellent IT skills, including advanced use of Excel*

We are looking for a detail-oriented

Grants Officer

to support the daily operations within the department.


The position is set to commence

as soon as possible

and will be full-time for an

initial duration of 12 weeks

with a pay rate of

18.80 per hour + holiday pay.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre award

Monitor the grants inbox and ensure that queries are responded to promptly and appropriately. Provide advice to research staff on external research sponsors' funding opportunities and scheme terms and conditions, on the costing and pricing of research, on University policy and procedures and the Department's funding application process. Cost funding applications using the University's X5 tool, ensuring compliance with sponsor rules. Provide advice and support to PIs in the preparation and timely submission of grant applications, including assistance researchers with completion of financial / administrative aspects of the grant application forms and offering guidance in relation to online application systems as required. Review grant applications (using Research Services checklist) before submission to Research Services. Develop effective systems to improve and streamline the grant application process and maintain internal records of grant applications and their outcome.

Post award

Take responsibility for a portfolio of research grants, developing a thorough understanding of the relevant funding rules and reporting requirements for each grant. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of sponsors' financial terms and conditions and ensure compliance. Advise PIs on the financial and administrative regulations governing the award and the implications for their management of funds. Provide guidance and training to PIs and research support staff to enable them to interpret and understand award status reports and other financial reports. Ensure appropriate records of hours worked, reimbursed personal expenses and any other auditable data is kept where required. Review project status reports and proactively investigate variances, forecast/re-forecast grant expenditure, liaising with PIs and sponsors on a regular basis.

Selection Criteria:

Experience of research grants administration, both pre- and post-award


Experience of using the X5 costing tool in a University context


Excellent IT skills, including advanced use of Excel


Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial matters in simple and understandable terms, with excellent interpersonal skills


Able to prioritise work, produce consistently accurate work and meet deadlines

Vacancy ID:

21117

Please be aware that all candidates need to be able to start work immediately and must be able to work on site if required to do so.

Further information can about the Temporary Staffing Service can be found on our website https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/temporary-staffing-service