Funding Manager - Cells, Tools and Systems

Funding Manager - Cells, Tools and Systems

• locations
• London

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• R-003226

Salary: £56,200

Closing date:  Monday, 27 April 2026

Contract type: Permanent

Interview dates: 1st stage (w/c 18 May) 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 committed to spend £16bn in the ten years to 2032, 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 - Cells, Systems and Tools to join our team

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

Research Funding is responsible for the operational management, governance, and support of all Wellcome’s 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 applications—from submission and review to award—for Discovery Research and Data for Science and Health.

To deliver Wellcome’s funding in discovery research, we are looking for a Funding Manager to work in our Cells, Systems and Tools team in Research Funding.

What will I be doing? 

As a senior level Funding Manager, you will manage a portfolio of grants from application through to award, ensuring robust review processes, clear feedback, and effective support for funded grant-holders. You will also lead improvements to funding processes and policies, act as a trusted expert within the team, and contribute to the smooth delivery of the team’s work by providing cover for the Senior Manager when required.

As a Funding Manager, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of grants from application through to award and close‑out, coordinating reviews, committees, funding decisions and clear communication with applicants and grant-holders.

• Lead and oversee expert review and committee processes, ensuring high‑quality advice, good governance, and timely, well‑informed funding decisions.

• Provide expert guidance to applicants and internal colleagues on funding policies, assessment processes and allowable costs, acting as a trusted point of reference for complex queries.

• Support the effective management of awarded grants across their lifecycle, including handling casework, assessing reports, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with policies and budgets.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of funding schemes, processes and systems, sharing expertise, mentoring colleagues, and helping to implement change across the team.

• Work closely with senior colleagues and deputise for the Senior Manager when needed, helping to ensure the smooth delivery, quality and impact of the team’s grant‑giving activities.

Is this job for me?

This role is suited to someone with experience managing research funding processes who enjoys working with complex information, committees and stakeholders in the academic research environment. You’ll be confident prioritising a varied workload, using strong judgement, attention to detail and clear communication to support high‑quality funding decisions. If you’re motivated by delivering and improving funding schemes in a collaborative, fast‑paced setting, this role could be right for 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 delivering research funding processes 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.

• Experience in funding committee management, complex research funding mechanisms, funding calls and/or project management.

• Strong verbal & written communication skills and a demonstration of critical thinking & decision-making skills.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills - ability to quickly build the trust of internal and external stakeholders.

Applications Questions:

• 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)

• 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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About Us

We support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research. Wellcome isn't just a supporter of great ideas, it's a great place to work. We offer excellent benefits and help our employees to develop in an open, respectful culture where differences are valued.