Deputy Head of Research Funding

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences – is seeking a Deputy Head to join our Research Funding Department, providing key support in the delivery of a range of research funding programmes, in particular the operational management of the British Academy’s relationship with the British International Research Institutes (BIRI).

The role

The Academy plays a crucial role as a funder in the UK’s higher education landscape, providing support for talent at a wide range of career stages from early-career to senior researchers. This role works closely with the Head of Research Funding to ensure the robust and successful delivery of a range of programmes, including the Academy’s flagship Postdoctoral Fellowships and Small Research Grants. In particular, the Deputy Head directly manages the Academy’s relationship with the nine British International Research Institutes, each of which is a separate entity and has its own programme of activity.

You will also work proactively to raise awareness of the Academy’s funding opportunities with universities and independent research organisations across the UK. As the Academy moves towards full integration of its Grants Management System, Flexi-Grant, with our new CRM, Salesforce, the Deputy Head will play a crucial role in supporting the team to deliver this major new project.

We are looking for someone who has strong organisational capability with demonstrable attention to detail. You will need to be resilient to manage a fast-paced, demanding workload and multiple activities. Confidence in dealing with financial management, figures and budgets is essential, as is commitment to a collaborative approach across the team, the broader Research Directorate and wider Academy, as well as tactful, empathetic and non-bureaucratic support for award-holders and applicants.

For more information, see the Academy’s funding programmes and the British International Research Institutes.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engages the public with fresh thinking and debates, and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10–11, Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1 – a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package, including a 35-hour working week, 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays, a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment, promoting equal opportunity, and addressing under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

Please contact the HR team at hrteam@thebritishacademy.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Closing date: Noon on 2 March 2026.

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