The International Institute for Particle Astrophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Astrocent Institute) is seeking a candidate for the position of Senior Research Funding Specialist.
We are seeking an independent, proactive, and communicative individual with experience in securing funding and preparing grant applications for research projects.
We are looking for someone who will actively identify national and international funding opportunities for scientific research, R&D, and the development of research infrastructure; support researchers in preparing competitive grant applications; and help shape the strategy for securing external funding.
Key responsibilities I. Identification of funding sources and grant consultancy
Actively identifying national and international sources of funding for scientific research, R&D and the development of research infrastructure, including calls for proposals of various scales and types.
Monitoring calls for proposals and funding programmes, in particular Horizon Europe, the National Science Centre (NCN), the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP), the National Agency for Higher Education (NAWA) and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW), and analysing opportunities for Astrocent to participate in new initiatives.
Drawing up and updating a plan for applying for external funding, including a calendar of calls for proposals and priorities for individual research teams.
Providing advice and organising training sessions and workshops for research staff on research funding opportunities and the preparation of grant applications.
II. Preparing grant applications
Independently managing the process of preparing grant applications: from analysing the call for proposals documentation to submitting the application, in collaboration with research teams.
Supporting researchers in developing the structure and content of grant applications, in particular the sections concerning the project’s impact, implementation plan, project management and other non-scientific elements, taking into account the evaluation criteria.
Drawing up budgets, timetables and funding plans for new projects in collaboration with research teams and the relevant organisational units of the Institute.
Verifying that applications comply with the competition requirements, including the rules on the eligibility of expenditure, co-funding and the completeness of application documentation.
Providing support in identifying and securing partners, and in co-creating national and international project consortia.
Coordinating the process of submitting applications via electronic grant systems and preparing any supplementary information or clarifications during the evaluation stage.
III. Consistency of funding and internal cooperation
Analysing the possibilities for combining and supplementing various sources of funding, including co-funding conditions and the risk of overlap in funded costs.
Working closely with the administrative coordinators of ongoing projects and the heads of research teams when planning and preparing new grant applications, taking into account available resources, project commitments and the complementarity of funding sources.
Collaborating with the technology broker in preparing proposals for technology development and R&D projects involving industry.
Preparing recommendations for management and research teams regarding priority calls for proposals and funding opportunities.
Supporting the process of preparing the documentation necessary for the conclusion of grant and consortium agreements, and for the transfer of projects selected for funding to the implementation stage, in collaboration with the relevant departments of the Institute.
Our requirements Skills and experience
At least 5 years’ experience in the field of research projects, including practical experience in preparing grant applications and securing funding.
Experience of working with research teams to prepare applications for funding from national and international sources.
Knowledge of research and innovation funding programmes.
Ability to draw up project budgets, timetables and project documentation.
Very good command of English, enabling independent collaboration with international partners.
Very good command of MS Office, particularly Excel and Word.
Ability to use electronic grant application systems.
Knowledge of the basic principles governing the eligibility of expenditure, co-financing and the avoidance of double funding for the same costs.
Qualities and skills
Independence, initiative and a proactive approach to identifying new opportunities for development.
Creativity and the ability to link scientific ideas with funding opportunities.
The ability to establish contacts, build relationships and foster cooperation between different organisations.
Good organisational, communication and negotiation skills, including the ability to coordinate several application processes simultaneously.
Analytical skills, the ability to work with budgets and attention to detail.
The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Experience in preparing proposals under the Horizon Europe programme, particularly within international consortia, and knowledge of the ERC and MSCA instruments.
Experience in managing and accounting for research projects funded from national or international sources, particularly in the areas of budget monitoring, eligibility of expenditure, financial reporting and the preparation of project accounts.
Knowledge of electronic grant systems, such as the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, OSF, LSI or other platforms for submitting and managing proposals.
Experience of working in a scientific or research institution or an organisation supporting R&D activities.
Experience in forming consortia and developing international cooperation.
Knowledge of research project management principles and the requirements associated with the implementation of grant agreements.
Experience in delivering training or consultancy for researchers on securing research funding.
What we offer
The opportunity to work in an international academic environment.
A real influence on the development of new projects, securing funding and building international partnerships.
The opportunity to collaborate with leading research centres, research infrastructures and industrial partners.
Opportunities for professional development and upskilling.
The option to work in a hybrid arrangement.
coffee / tea
About us The International Institute for Particle Astrophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (Astrocent Institute) was established by a resolution of the Polish Academy of Sciences as a new, dynamically developing scientific institute. The institute continues and develops the scientific, research and organisational activities carried out since July 2018 as part of the international AstroCeNT Centre of Excellence (originally established within the structure of CAMK of the Polish Academy of Sciences as part of the International Research Agendas programme of the Foundation for Polish Science).
The Institute is an internationally renowned research centre, actively participating in key global experiments dedicated to the study of dark matter, neutrinos and gravitational waves. We support our experimental and technological activities by developing advanced computational methods and conducting world-class theoretical research within international teams.
Since 2025, the Institute has been carrying out the prestigious six-year European Commission project ‘Teaming for Excellence – Astrocent Plus’ (with a total budget of 30 million euros, including national funding). Its main objective is to build, continuously develop and raise our institution to the level of the world’s leading scientific institutes. Further information can be found at https://astrocent.edu.pl/ .
MIAC PAN ensures equal opportunities for all candidates and conducts its recruitment in accordance with the principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination.
