Research Support Officer


Company:	Newcastle University
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Newcastle, NE1 7RU
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	7 Sept 2026
Closing date:	28 Sept 2026

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Summary

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role

Are you an experienced administrator with a strong eye for detail, excellent organisational skills and experience working with financial data?

We are seeking an enthusiastic administrator with great communication and problem solving skills to join our research and finance team where you will help to support our innovative and world-leading research agenda.

As part of the research and finance team, you will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues across the School of History, Classics and Archaeology and our Research Cluster colleagues in Arts and Cultures to play a key role in supporting research applications and awards.

You will work with academic colleagues to help cost applications, ensuring that these costs meet the funders eligibility requirements and University policy. A good ability to read, digest and communicate complex policy and procedures is therefore required.

Once research applications have been awarded you support the financial management of the projects including advising on budgets, reconciling spend on accounts and using University systems to facilitate purchasing. Experience working with financial or numerical data is needed, along with good Excel skills.

We are looking for someone who is a good team player with excellent interpersonal skills as this work involves liaison with different stakeholders within and outside the University. A positive ‘can do’ attitude and a flexible and helpful approach is essential.

This position is full time but we are willing to consider applicants wishing to work a reduced FTE of 0.8 (29.6hrs). We operate a blended working approach with at least half of your time spend on campus in our shared office space.

If you would like to discuss this role please contact James Copley-Mills (james.copley-mills@ncl.ac.uk), Research and Finance Coordinator and line manager to this role.

Key Accountabilities

Act as the first point of contact for research support services as allocated by the Research and Finance Coordinator

Provide advice and guidance to academic colleagues on costing and planning research proposals, conferences, networks, fieldwork and other activities, in line with University and funder rules, ensuring that correct procedures are followed and maximum recovery of costs is achieved

Support academic colleagues with the application process and account set-up of research awards. This includes liaising with; Grants and Contracts, Contract Financial Management, the funder and project partners and to compile and complete appropriate project documentation e.g. application forms

Provide project financial management for research accounts including budget management, regular reporting and advising the academic project lead and Professional Service managers on forecasted over/under spending

Liaise with Grants and Contracts and Contract Financial Management as necessary through to project closedown and working across university services to help resolve issues

Oversee/undertake transactions such as travel bookings, purchasing, sales, expenses checks and payments as required, ensuring accurate records are maintained for audit and reporting purposes in compliance with relevant legislation

Devise and maintain efficient administrative systems to ensure effective record keeping, budgetary management and the smooth running of projects

Be responsible for the administration of the School’s External and Internal Quality Assurance processes under the direction of the Directors of Research

Be responsible for ensuring that the school web presence is kept up to date with information about research projects, seminars, conferences and other activities, and to act as a central point for the coordination of school, faculty and University research news items

Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required from time to time including deputising for other members of the School research and finance team during busy periods and absences

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Experience of working to a high standard within a financial/administrative role that is relevant to this post

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to forge good working relationships, influence and persuade

Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to proof-read own work and that of colleagues

Ability to understand, interpret, and explain complicated policies and regulations, both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences

Proven ability to work accurately and quickly and to organise and prioritise work against many tight deadlines

Experience of working with financial data including the ability to monitor budgets and forecast of expenditure (or comparable experience with numerical data and the ability to apply this to budgets)

Ability to draw inferences from financial data and to explain conclusions effectively to non-financial experts (academic and administrative staff)

High level of knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office programs including Excel

Attributes and Behaviour

Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision and as an active and communicative member of a team

Excellent problem solving skills

Works continually towards achieving success through understanding and meeting or exceeding the expectations of the area, the University, students, colleagues and other stakeholders

Qualifications

Educated to A Level standard (or equivalent) or significant workplace experience

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