University of Cambridge
Postgraduate Secretary [Temporary Cover]

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About the Role
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Postgraduate Secretary to join us on a full-time, fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave for up to 12 months, or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.
About the Faculty
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics is a world-leading centre for teaching and research in language and linguistics comprising of six Sections: French, German, Italian, Slavonic, Spanish and Portuguese, and Theoretical and Applied Linguistics. The Faculty is also the administrative home to Cambridge Film and Screen. With nearly 1,000 students (over 770 undergraduates, approx. 130 MPhil students and 170 PhD students), the Faculty is home to around 140 academic, research and professional services staff based on the University's Sidgwick Site, a short walk from the Centre of Cambridge.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will provide general secretarial and administrative support for the Postgraduate Office, working as part of a team and assisting the Postgraduate Office Manager. This support includes, but is not limited to:
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- Dealing with postgraduate admissions (MPhil and PhD)
- Thesis submission and examination
- MPhil programme administration
- Dealing with student queries
- Jointly dealing with the Postgraduate Office email inbox
The appointed person will liaise effectively with students and staff (academic and professional services) at all levels, assisting with postgraduate communications in the Faculty, including the postgraduate web pages.
Qualifications and Experience
- Educated to A level standard or with equivalent experience
- Prior experience in an administrative support role (preferably in a higher education environment)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good IT skills including a working knowledge of MS Office for administrative purposes
- Experience of working with databases
- Highly organised with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in recording data and checking detailed written correspondence
Temporary Cover
This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.


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Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Enquiries
Informal enquiries about the role are always welcome. Please email Alison Bingham, Postgraduate Office Manager (postgradmanager@mmll.cam.ac.uk) if you would like to find out more about the role. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our HR Team on MMLLPersonnel@admin.cam.ac.uk
Important Dates
- Closing date for applications: midnight (BST) on Wednesday 2 September 2026
- Interviews: expected to take place between 15-18 September 2026, subject to change
Reference
Please quote reference GP50498 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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