The University of Manchester
Postgraduate Research Operations Assistant

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Postgraduate Research Assistant
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Postgraduate Research Assistant. This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a central role in supporting postgraduate researchers (PGRs) across the Faculty of Science and Engineering, working within the Doctoral Academy to deliver high-quality, consistent, and student-centred services within a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Responsibilities
- Managing postgraduate research thesis submission and examination processes, ensuring compliance with University regulations, quality standards, and deadlines.
- Providing guidance and support to postgraduate researchers, academic staff, and examiners throughout the examination process.
- Coordinating examination activities, including processing documentation, maintaining accurate records, monitoring progress, and supporting examiner appointments and payments.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University to deliver an excellent, student-focused service while contributing to continuous process improvement.
- Supporting the wider activities of the Doctoral Academy, including acting as a first point of contact for enquiries and contributing flexibly to team priorities.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
Essential Criteria
- Experience in an administrative role within a busy office or customer-focused environment.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work accurately, and meet deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to provide advice and support to a range of stakeholders.
- A high level of attention to detail, good digital skills, and experience using a range of IT systems.
- A collaborative approach, with a commitment to delivering excellent customer service and handling confidential information appropriately.
Our Benefits
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Christmas closure across all departments outside of annual leave and bank holidays
- Purple Place employee discount platform
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Janine Callard
Email Address: Janine.Calland@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills