University of Cambridge
REF Unit of Assessment (UoA) Administrator (Fixed Term)
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The Opportunity
The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic workplace that enables our people to thrive.
As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, we are looking for a REF Administrator to join the School of the Physical Sciences (SPS) REF team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in supporting the School's preparations for one of the UK's most significant research assessment exercises.
Working closely with the SPS REF Manager, you will provide comprehensive administrative support across multiple Units of Assessment (UoAs) and academic departments within the School. Based within the School office, you will help coordinate REF activity across a diverse range of disciplines, developing strong working relationships with academics, departmental colleagues, and University-wide REF teams. As a key member of the School REF team, you will contribute to the development of consistent approaches, effective processes, and shared best practice across all SPS submissions.
You will provide high-quality administrative support across all aspects of REF2029 preparation, helping to coordinate data collection and verification, support governance and decision-making processes, organise meetings and communications, maintain accurate records and tracking systems, and assist departments in meeting REF requirements and deadlines.
Working across multiple UoAs, you will develop a broad understanding of REF policy and processes while helping to ensure that departments are well supported throughout the submission cycle.
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About You
This role would suit a highly organised administrator with excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex and fast-paced environment. Experience of working with research-related information, large datasets, or higher education processes would be advantageous.
You may already have experience of the REF or similar large-scale projects, or you may be keen to develop specialist expertise in this area as part of your career in higher education administration. You will excel at prioritising work and managing competing demands, adapting to emerging challenges and accurately processing data. You will be equally comfortable working independently and as part of collaborative teams, including working with senior academic stakeholders.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in one of the most significant national research assessments, contributing directly to the success and visibility of world-leading research.
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting staff to thrive professionally and personally and offers a wide range of benefits https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/pay-benefits/cambens-employee-benefits.
In joining the School of the Physical Sciences, you will not only be part of collaborative and forward-thinking teams that support world-class research, but you will also be part of a welcoming and inclusive workplace with excellent opportunities for professional development. Familiarity with the Physical Sciences could be beneficial for the role but is not essential. The role requires regular on-site working to support effective collaboration with departments and academic colleagues with scope for hybrid working once the postholder is established in the role.
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Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2028.
Closing date for all applications is Sunday 20 September with interviews planned for the week of 28 September.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Additional information regarding the roles may be found within the Further Particulars via the links below. Your CV, along with a covering letter, should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) including relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based upon these criteria.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Elena Varela Fuentes, SPS REF Manager, on elena.varelafuentes@admin.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact PhysicalSciences@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference LA50878 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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