Lancaster University
NIHR Research Support Service Coordinator - 0473-26-R
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NIHR Research Support Service Coordinator
Health Research
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £26,707 to £30,378 (full-time), indefinite contract with end date (30/09/2028)
Closing Date: Thursday, 09 July 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0473-26-R
Type: Full-time (internal secondments considered)
Lancaster University, along with the Universities of Liverpool, Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan, hosts one of eight National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service (RSS) centres. This national initiative provides seamless support to researchers—from pre-grant to post-grant stages—covering the NIHR remit in England. The centre is also a national RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape service development as a Service Co-ordinator. Key responsibilities include:
- Working within the Central Co-ordinating team and nationally across RSS centres
- Ensuring operational excellence in administrative support
- Managing client-facing activities, events, and public involvement
- Acting as the first point of contact for service enquiries
- Maintaining accurate records and reliable data
- Supporting meeting organisation and event logistics (both in-person and online)
The ideal candidate will:
- Enjoy handling diverse administrative enquiries daily
- Demonstrate strong organisational and event planning skills
- Have experience in administrative roles, managing workflows and processes
- Possess a high level of accuracy and reliability in data handling
- Prefer a collaborative, fast-paced environment
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide first-line administrative support to the Central Co-ordinating team
- Act as a primary contact for researchers, coordinators, and public contributors
- Plan, organise, and support service events (both on-campus and remotely)
- Maintain up-to-date case files, records, and databases
- Ensure current, precise data for service reporting and decision-making
- Collaborate with national RSS centres to streamline processes
- Assist in continuous improvement of administrative workflows
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Professional experience in an administrative role, preferably in a research or healthcare-related setting
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) with attention to detail
- Strong customer service and communication skills (oral and written)
- Ability to organise events (meetings, workshops, conferences) and support attendance logistics
- Reliability, discretion, and a problem-solving mindset
- Experience working with data management or databases (e.g., tracking scores, client records)
Desirable Criteria
- Prior work in healthcare or research administration
- Experience supporting public involvement or co-design initiatives
- Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
- Basic knowledge of qualitative research processes or health research contexts
The Division of Health Research
Lancaster University is home to a supportive and inclusive working environment within Health Research. The Division offers:
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- A healthy work-life balance and proactive staffing policies
- Family-friendly and flexible working arrangements, including:
- Condensed hours
- Variable working days or hours
- Agreed remote-working priorities (subject to on-campus presence)
- Silver Athena SWAN recognition since 2014, promoting gender equality in higher education
- Diverse staff networks, interdisciplinary projects, and a welcoming culture
This post operates on an indefinite contract due to external funding ending 30/09/2028. Lanccaster University will accommodate reasonable work arrangements within this framework.
How to Apply
Applicants intending to use the UK Skilled Worker Visa must confirm eligibility before applying (see UK Visa and Immigration guidelines). Do not hesitate to contact Sheldon Kent (s.kent5@lancaster.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
Apply online Full job description & person specification
Lancaster University Values Diverse Backgrounds
We invite applicants from all underrepresented communities, including those identifying with a variety of ages, religions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, disabilities, and genders. As an inclusive institution, we are committed to equity, diversity, and wellbeing for our staff.
Find Out About Working at Lancaster University Explore employee benefits, support networks, and our family-friendly policies by visiting University Careers.
All roles are UK-based unless otherwise specified.
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