Research Grants Co-ordinator

Would you like to use your research knowledge and your organisational skills to support groundbreaking and meaningful scientific progress?

We’re looking for a Research Grants Co-ordinator to join our Research Grants team at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

This is a great opportunity to play an important role in the work of the MND Association: to fund and monitor high-quality research that makes a real difference to people living with and affected by MND.

Key Responsibilities:

As Research Grants Co-ordinator, you’ll help to co-ordinate our competitive funding rounds and to support the ongoing grants within our research grants portfolio. You’ll ensure the applications process runs smoothly and fairly, while providing essential support to applicants, grant-holders and colleagues.

• Play a key role in the research grant application process, ensuring a high standard of governance
• Source qualified peer reviewers and manage communication with them
• Compile accurate minutes of Research Advisory Panel meetings
• Provide constructive and timely feedback to grant applicants
• Support colleagues with the organisation of meetings of the Research Advisory Panels
• Ensure grantees and their institutions adhere to the conditions of their grants
• Support the grant reporting and progress review processes
• Ensure all financial records of grants are accurate
• Provide clear and timely updates on the research grants portfolio
• Co-ordinate the Association’s Open Science responsibilities, including open access funding requests

About You:

You’ll bring a strong foundation in biological science and a good understanding of the research funding landscape. You’ll be confident working with information, able to manage your time well, and enjoy working collaboratively.

• BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science
• Knowledge of grant application and research funding processes
• Ability to retrieve information and compile reports from relevant online information sources
• Strong understanding of the academic research environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• Able to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Strong time management and attention to detail

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: 1 day a week office attendance in Northampton (Flexibility to attend the office more regularly on occasion may be required to meet business needs.) We are open to part-time applications or job shares – please indicate your preferred working arrangement in your application.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• BSc (Hons) in a relevant biological science, ideally with relevant research experience at Masters or Doctoral level
• Knowledge of research grant application and funding processes
• Ability to retrieve information and compile reports from relevant online information sources

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.
• We are happy to consider alternative application formats for those who find the online form challenging.

This Research Grants Co-ordinator role is based in Northampton with hybrid working options. You’ll report to the Research Grants Manager and work closely with colleagues across the Research and Innovation Directorate. Occasional travel to external meetings is expected.

If you’re ready to contribute to an organisation that funds importantresearch, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to join us as a Research Grants Co-ordinator and help the MND Association to make a difference through our funding of research.