A process for preparing a cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst precursor includes introducing a multi-functional carboxylic acid having the general formula (1) HOOC—C*R1C*R2—COOH (1) or a precursor thereof, where C* in each of C*Ri and C*R2 is a sp2 carbon, and R1 and R2 are the same or different, and are each selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and an organic group, into and/or onto a particulate catalyst support. The ratio of the quantity of multifunctional carboxylic acid used relative to the support surface area is at least 0.3 μmol carboxylic acid/m2 of support surface area. Simultaneously with the introduction of the carboxylic acid into and/or onto the catalyst support, or subsequent thereto, a cobalt compound is introduced into and/or onto the catalyst support. The impregnated support is calcined to obtain the cobalt based Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst precursor.