Research Funding Portfolio Coordinator

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Hours
37 hours per week

About the Organisation

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time and independence, and has no cure. Every day, we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.

About the role

The Research Funding Portfolio Coordinator plays an important role in supporting and managing a portfolio of our funded research awards. Working closely with researchers and colleagues, this role ensures research projects are effectively monitored, governed and supported throughout their lifecycle.  

As a Research Funding Portfolio Coordinator, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality research funding processes, provide valuable portfolio insights and strengthen the impact of research into motor neurone disease (MND). This is an opportunity to work at the heart of our research funding, to build relationships with leading researchers, and to ensure funded projects deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of funded awards to provide accurate, pertinent and timely information to researchers and colleagues
• Ensure monitoring processes support the maintenance of accurate financial records for each research award
• Manage grant reporting processes and approval of reports for awards within dedicated portfolio
• Develop working relationships with researchers and other key personnel at Association-funded institutions
• Work autonomously to manage awards in your portfolio and use adaptive monitoring techniques to maintain accurate oversight and understanding
• In collaboration with colleagues, play a key role in the review of research grant applications to a high standard of governance, with particular focus on:
  • Performing initial review of applications received in funding rounds
  • Identifying and sourcing qualified peer reviewers, working with colleagues in the Research Funding Operations team
  • Compiling accurate minutes of meetings of the Research Advisory Panels
  • Providing timely and relevant feedback to applicants
  • Supporting recruitment of Advisory Panel members as and when required
• Ensure that applications to the Association’s research funding schemes are treated fairly and equitably as described in the appropriate Research Governance Overview documents
• Ensure that grantees and their institutions adhere to all grant conditions
• Lead and take responsibility for special projects, such as AI, data, Europe PubMedCentral, etc.
• Work collaboratively with other Directorates in the Association to showcase the research portfolio and document impact and involvement
• Code the funded research portfolio to help us develop portfolio insights and understand our funded projects in more detail.
• Check applications to the Association’s funding scheme to identify overlaps with research already funded by us or wider research funders.
• Support the implementation of the new grant management system and associated changes to the ways of working, including supporting these changes and reviewing and adapting ways of working
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert to support the wider Directorate in the use of the Research Management System Plan and run new applicant webinars.
• Respectfully challenge processes and make suggestions for improvements
• Contribute to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the Association.
• To undertake any other task commensurate with the job purpose and its grading and to ensure that all functions are performed regarding the Association’s Mission and Core Values

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Criteria:

• Knowledge of research grant application, funding and monitoring processes
• Ability to retrieve information and compile reports from relevant online information sources
• Knowledge of the academic research environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High standard of computer literacy, including the ability to use Microsoft Office packages effectively
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Good time management
• Excellent numeracy and analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to prioritise own work and meet tight deadlines, working with and delegating to colleagues as required
• Works willingly as part of a team
• Some flexibility in working hours
• Occasional travel to external meetings is required

Required Qualifications

• BSc degree or higher in a relevant science or healthcare subject or equivalent experience in research grant management

Compensation & Benefits

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eye care, 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 the Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Opportunities for training and personal development

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Northampton office and remotely

How to apply

• Please apply via our website.
• To support an inclusive application process, we are open to receiving alternative applications from candidates who may find it difficult to complete our online form. If you would like to apply via video or audio file, please send your recorded application, ensuring you cover the supporting statement aspect, to [email protected]

Interviews

• Once we have shortlisted candidates, we'll get in touch with all applicants to let you know if you've got to the next stage.

Policies

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, including employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

The information provided to the MND Association when applying for a vacancy will be treated in full accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The MND Association is committed to protecting your personal information and being transparent about what information we hold, whether you are a donor, volunteer, shopper, campaigner, or a person living with or affected by MND. For more information, visit the Privacy Policy.

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