Research Adminstrator

This supports the research community by giving clear, steady and timely administrative help across research centres, clinical academic groups and departments within the School of Health and Medical Sciences.The post holder helps with a wide range of tasks linked to research work, meetings, events, grant support, information care and smooth daily handling of shared services.The suits someone who is organised, can work with shifting needs, use sound judgement and demonstrate good customer care when dealing with staff and visitors.

Duties and responsibilities

Being Customer focused: Handle queries in a prompt and helpful way, keeping good links with research staff, support teams and other service groups. Keep users updated when tasks take time, and offer guidance on next steps rather than waiting for further contact.

Planning and organising: Plan and run small research events, meetings and small projects, including room booking, catering and materials. Take clear, structured and accurate minutes that capture key points, decisions and agreed actions, and send them out within set timeframes so that staff can act on them without delay. Work with meeting chairs to shape agendas, confirm expected outcomes and make sure each meeting runs in an ordered and purposeful way. Track actions from past meetings and follow up with staff to support timely progress and keep senior managers informed when tasks slip.

Interpersonal skills (including communicating and influencing): Speak and write in a clear and thoughtful way when dealing with academic and professional staff. Work with committee chairs, speakers and wider groups to keep work flowing and to build good working relationships.

Problem solving and decision making (including initiative): Deal with varied tasks where the right course may not be set out, choosing sound steps based on judgement and need.

Teamwork and support for others: Work with the Research Operations administrative team to share tasks and keep service levels high. Provide cover for colleagues during busy times, leave or short-notice gaps, and adjust day-to-day work to meet changing needs.

Financial Controls: Raise purchase orders and invoice requests with care, checking details and costs and making sure they match set steps for audit and control. Keep clear records of each step so that spending can be tracked and checked without delay. Handle purchasing and travel requests in line with University rules so that orders, bookings and payments are made in a timely and correct way.

Skills and experience

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of research activities within higher education or the public sector.
• Ability to provide clear guidance and support to staff and students, responding to queries in a timely manner.
• Ability to identify and understand customer needs.
• Experience supporting meetings, events and administrative tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and adapt to changing priorities where procedures may not be clearly defined.
• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a busy team.
• Ability to manage individual tasks independently, demonstrating focus and attention to detail.
• Experience handling basic purchasing and invoice processes.
• Demonstrates a commitment to treating everyone fairly and with respect.

Location
Hybrid, 60% on site - Tooting Campus, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE