University of Cambridge
UoA REF Administrator (Part Time, Fixed Term)
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a REF Unit of Assessment (UoA) Administrator to join the Department of Earth Sciences, on a part-time basis at 0.5FTE. As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, 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.
This position will specifically support and be based at the Department of Earth Sciences (UoA 7) and will be one of a number of REF positions to support Units of Assessment (UoA) within the School of the Physical Sciences (SPS).
The role will involve being embedded within the day-to-day academic environment, building strong working relationships with researchers and REF academic leadership within the Department. Alongside this, the role will also be part of the School REF Team led by the SPS REF Manager, sharing expertise, resources, and best practice across the School. While the focus of the position will be within Earth Sciences, support will be provided by colleagues working on other submissions and by central REF and institutional teams.
With knowledge of REF, the person appointed will provide expert, end-to-end administrative support across all components of the REF2029 submission for UoA 7. This will include coordinating data collection, supporting governance and decision-making processes, maintaining accurate systems and records, and ensuring the department is well prepared to meet REF requirements and deadlines.
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The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or equivalent level of qualifications, or experience. An understanding of the academic environment and research culture in higher education, or the ability to acquire the working knowledge, of REF2029 and the associated University policies, procedures and systems is essential, alongside previous experience of managing and / or supporting projects.
Excellent prioritisation skills with the ability to manage competing demands and adapt to emerging challenges will be essential, alongside the ability to accurately process data with strong attention to detail. The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team is required. Engaging, effective communication skills across a range of stakeholders is also an essential criteria for the position.
Familiarity with the Physical Sciences would 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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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2028 in the first instance.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further information about the role can be found in the Further Particulars document.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Dr Carol Hickman, Business and Operations Manager on (EarthSciencesBOM@esc.cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@esc.cam.ac.uk.
We hope to hold interviews on Wednesday 22 July 2026.
Please quote reference LB49946 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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