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Senior Research Operations Officer
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Senior Research Operations Officer to join a leading London university. This crucial role will provide high‑level administrative and operational support across pre‑award and post‑award research management, finance, and HR‑related processes.
Key responsibilities:
- Support academics with the preparation, review, and submission of research funding applications, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with funder guidelines
- Develop and review research budgets, advise on costings (including fEC), and manage internal approvals
- Oversee the financial administration of active research awards, including expenditure monitoring, reporting, reconciliations, and processing variations or extensions
- Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders across the university, research partners, and funding bodies, ensuring consistent communication and timely resolution of queries
- Coordinate HR‑related processes including onboarding/offboarding, contract changes, and maintenance of personnel records in line with institutional policies
- Ensure high‐quality data management across internal research systems, supporting audits and maintaining compliance with financial and governance requirements
- Contribute to improving operational processes, identifying efficiencies and supporting best practice within the research operations function
Ideal Candidate:
- Strong experience in a Higher Education research support or research operations environment
- Confident working across both pre‑award and post‑award areas
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
- High attention to detail and accuracy in financial and administrative processes
- Ability to build strong working relationships with academics, professional services, and external partners
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Worktribe, ORACLE‑based finance systems, or similar research management tools is desirable
- Knowledge of HR and research grant costing processes is advantageous
Location: Central London, 2 days per week on-site
Duration: 5-6 month temporary contract
Pay rate: £30 per hour (umbrella)
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Working pattern: Hybrid, 2 days per week on-site
This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.
Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates