Research Awards Officer

• Full-time (35 hours/week)
• Fixed-term contract, 12 months, with the possibility of extension
• Hybrid working (minimum two days per week in central Edinburgh office)
• Starting salary: £38,087 per annum
• Closing date: Sunday 21 June 2026, 23:59

About the RSE

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland’s National Academy. Through the expertise of our Fellowship and the work of our staff, we bring together knowledge, ideas, and people to help address the most important issues facing Scotland and the wider world.

Our Fellowship of over 1,800 individuals spans academia, business, public service, the arts, and civil society. Alongside this, the RSE delivers a wide-ranging programme of research support, policy advice, public engagement, and international collaboration.

We are a collaborative, purpose-driven organisation with a strong commitment to supporting our people and promoting a positive and inclusive working culture.

Our small team is about to become a wee bit bigger. You may spot several roles advertised across the RSE this summer. These opportunities reflect investment in our people and future priorities as we grow our ambition to make knowledge useful.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Awards Officer to support the delivery of the RSE's research awards programme, ensuring the effective administration of funding schemes, stakeholder engagement, and award processes.

The role will support the delivery of a diverse portfolio of funding schemes that invest in research talent, collaboration, and innovation across Scotland. Working closely with the Research Awards Manager and Senior Research Awards Officer, you will coordinate award programmes from application through to assessment, award management, and reporting, ensuring a high-quality experience for applicants, assessors, and award holders.

You will also contribute to the delivery of the RSE’s annual medals programme, supporting the coordination of nominations, assessment processes and stakeholder engagement. The role includes assisting with preparations for the ceremony, helping to ensure a positive and professional experience for medal recipients and guests.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of Scotland’s leading research funding portfolios while working with researchers, universities, funders, Fellows and other partners across the research and innovation landscape.

About you

You will bring:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience in a research, higher education, funding, charitable, or related environment.
• Experience of administering grant calls, funding programmes, awards schemes, or application-based processes.
• Experience of using CRM, grant management, or equivalent database systems.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and contribute effectively as part of a collaborative team.

This role would suit someone with experience in research funding, higher education, learned societies, charities or similar organisations who is looking to develop their career in research programme management and administration while contributing to the advancement of research and innovation in Scotland.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the online application via BreatheHR. At the document upload stage, please ensure you provide both required documents:

• A CV (maximum two A4 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience
• A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) setting out your suitability for the role and your interest in working at the RSE

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Sunday 21 June.

Interviews for this role will take place on Tuesday 30 June at the RSE in Edinburgh.

Please note that the RSE is not in the position to sponsor work or student visas. Pre-employment screening will include the necessary right to work in the UK checks as well as reference checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: £38,087.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Sick pay

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH2 2PQ