Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.

As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for:

Qualifications/Experience

1. Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience.
2. Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.
3. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role.
4. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
2. Exceptional organisational skills.
3. Experience of working in a team and associated skills of communication and time management.
4. Good digital skills including experience in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking systems.
5. Evidence of relevant personal development to maintain skills.
6. Relevant administrative experience in a busy office environment, especially in academic science, preferably biological sciences.
7. Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
8. Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve straightforward issues.

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrable experience of tracking and managing finances within a small workgroup

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

What you are required to submit:

• A CV
• A covering letter which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification

Contact details

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Professor Jonathan Heddle would be happy to speak to you. jonathan.g.heddle@durham.ac.uk

Typical Role Requirements

Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate.

Service Delivery

• Manage the Principal Investigator’s (PI) schedule, appointments, and deadlines, ensuring priorities are clear and commitments are met.
• Prepare meeting itineraries and efficiently record and distribute minutes.
• Assist the Laboratory Manager with procurement, liaising with suppliers to secure the best pricing and accurately documenting purchases.
• Maintain and update the research group website and draft social media posts to promote the lab.
• Provide an excellent and timely service to your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role.
• Use your experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues relevant to your role and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions.
• Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required.
• Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team.
• When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards [e.g. data protection] when managing data.
• Use standard office-based devices and applications [such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint] to deliver services.
• Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team.
• Arrange meeting/event venues and travel arrangements for other team members.

Teamwork

• Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members.
• Help your team organise and provide administrative services that support key activities undertaken within your service and contribute to team planning activities.
• Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands.

Communication/Liaison

• Seek feedback from students, staff and anyone else that you come across as part of your role on their requirements from your