Funding Manager - Humanities and Social Sciences

Job Description

Location: London

Posted on: Posted Today

Job Requisition ID: R-003082

Salary: £ 46,700

Closing date: Thursday, 29 January 2026

Contract type: Fixed Term Contract 6 end date: March 2027

Interview dates: 1st stage (19, 20 and 23 of February) online/Remote

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend 32bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

At the heart of our new strategy is the recognition that advances in health often come from unexpected sources, and that curiosity-driven discovery research is vital to understanding how life works. Discovery research is therefore a key part of the Wellcome strategy; providing researchers from different backgrounds the resources they need to take on big questions and overcome barriers to progress.

We are looking for a Funding Manager - Humanities and Social Sciences to join our team for a fixed term contract (end date: March 2027).

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

Research Funding is responsible for the operational management, governance, and support of all Wellcomes grant funding activities. This role is in the Funding Management team, which delivers and manages funding schemes, targeted calls, major investments, and one-off applications. We work closely with colleagues in Strategic Programmes, Legal, and Finance to implement funding activities. We manage the full lifecycle of grant applicationsfrom submission and review to awardfor Discovery Research and Data for Science and Health.

To deliver Wellcomes funding in discovery research, we are looking for a Funding Manager to work in our Humanities & Social Sciences team in Research Funding on a fixed-term contract until March 2027.

What will I be doing?

Youll manage a portfolio of grants across the full life cyclecarrying out due diligence, coordinating expert reviews and funding advisory committees, providing clear written feedback, making awards and responding to queriesso applications are handled fairly, efficiently and on time. Youll be a trusted point of contact for our research community, working with colleagues to enable world-class research through inclusive, transparent processes.

As a Funding Manager, Humanities and Social Sciences, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of grants throughout their lifecycle from application and due diligence to award and post-award queries ensuring processes are fair, efficient and timely.
• Coordinate expert reviews and funding committees, identifying appropriate reviewers, managing communications and supporting good governance and decision-making.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback by distilling complex committee discussions into accurate, accessible advice for applicants.
• Act as a trusted advisor, offering guidance to applicants and colleagues on funding policies, assessment processes and best practice.
• Ensure smooth grant management post-award, handling queries, monitoring compliance and supporting grant holders to deliver successful outcomes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, mentoring new team members, supporting funding initiatives and helping shape policies and processes that promote inclusivity and efficiency.

Is this job for me?

Youll thrive in this role if you have experience in the research environment, understand funding processes, and can manage complex priorities with confidence. Strong communication, analytical skills and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively. If youre organised, adaptable and keen to make a positive impact on world-class research, wed love to hear from you.

To apply for this role please submit an updated CV and answer 2 application questions to demonstrate that you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience of academic research environment and/or strong understanding of research funding mechanisms and educated to at least degree level in a relevant science, medical humanities, social science, or public health subject.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage large workloads, and work to deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to summarise complex information, and tailor it for specific audiences.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills - ability to quickly build the trust of internal and external stakeholders.

Applications Questions:

1. Using examples please provide evidence to demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as outlined in the job description? (Up to 500 words)
2. Using short summaries please provide specific details of up to two different initiatives or projects you have been directly involved in that are relevant to this role. For each initiative or project please use up to 250 words to describe your role (e.g. team leader, team member), the purpose of the activity (i.e. its aims), and the major contributions you personally made.

You can view the full job description on our website.

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.

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