Research Advisor - Project Grants Committee

Full job description
British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the UK's largest independent funder of cardiovascular research, and we have an opportunity for a new Research Advisor to join us and play a pivotal role in bringing our research strategy to life.

Through our portfolio of active research projects, we fund some of the most exciting and innovative cardiovascular research and the most talented scientists from PhD students to BHF Professors.

As our Research Advisor for the Project Grants Committee, you’ll play an active role in supporting the work of BHF ‘s largest funding committee, providing scientific input throughout the research grant evaluation and delivery process and taking primary responsibility for supporting the work of the Project Grants team. In the past year alone, the Project Grant team have handled over 250 applications, necessitating streamlined peer review, prompt scientific feedback, and effective scientific management both before and after funding decisions.
Whilst you'll primarily facilitate the work of our Project Grants Committee team, you’ll take a flexible approach to cover the work of BHF’s other research funding committees as required, whilst also supporting the Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, our Directors and Heads of Discovery and Clinical Research in implementing BHF’s new research strategy.

Working arrangements

This is a blended role, where your work will be dually located between your home and our London office.

At BHF we believe in the power of working together. On a blended contract, you can expect to spend some time in the office, at least one day each week, on average. The use of office spaces is driven in part by your role and the work you will do with other teams. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.

About you

With knowledge of and an understanding of scientific and clinical careers and the work of the BHF, specifically in relation to research, you'll be a proactive member of the team possessing outstanding attention to detail, analytical and interpersonal skills.

You'll have excellent communication, prioritisation, and organisational skills able to meet multiple deadlines and will be able to serve as an ambassador for BHF and its research achievements, promoting BHF and its research funding schemes.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated person with suitable experience and interests to make an important contribution to the primary mission of one of the world's leading funders of cardiovascular research.

To be successful in this role you'll have the following skills and experience:
PhD or equivalent in a biomedical science discipline
An understanding of scientific and clinical careers
Experience of cardiovascular or related research at either doctoral or postdoctoral research
Experience of research grant evaluation and administration
Able to interpret complex research data and communicate it to lay audiences
About us

We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy, Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.

Benefits

To find out more about benefits available at the BHF please download our benefits document at the bottom of this page.

Interview process

Interviews will be held online in w/c 1st September 2025.

How to apply

It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up to date CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides A4), outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.

Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us Read more