Cambridge Graphene Centre Executive Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic research centre in Cambridge seeks an experienced Executive PA/EA for maternity cover until August 2026. Responsibilities include managing a complex schedule for the CGC Director and supporting team operations. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and advanced IT proficiency, ensuring effective management of diverse stakeholders and daily functions. Applications close on September 24, 2025.

Qualifications

• Experience managing online diary systems and prioritising conflicting requirements.
• Ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data sharing and management software.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the CGC Director and Administrators.
• Manage a complex diary ensuring effective time management.
• Coordinate daily operations and recruitment processes.

Skills

Executive PA experience

Strong communication skills

Advanced IT skills

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Overview

The mission of the Cambridge Graphene Centre (CGC) is to investigate the science and technology of graphene and related materials. The CGC hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in 2D Materials of Tomorrow, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, the Layered Materials Research Foundry (LMRF) in collaboration with CORNERSTONE at the University of Southampton, the Quantum and Advanced Materials technologies for a Sustainable Society (QAMSS) Strategic Research Initiative (SRI), bringing together 18 Departments, 6 Schools and 6 Non-School Institutions to facilitate collaboration across disciplines, improve Cambridge visibility, and coordinate large strategic grants, the Advanced Photonic Integrated Circuits Pilot Line for Europe (PIXEurope), and the Graphene Flagship. The CGC SRF caters for well over 100 users from academia and industry, both within and outside Cambridge, and the UK.

The CGC is a very busy and dynamic environment. We seek an experienced PA/EA to provide maternity cover and join the team based in West Cambridge to provide an executive support service to the CGC Director and Administrators.

Responsibilities

• Provide an executive support service to the CGC Director and Administrators, managing a very complex diary and ensuring efficient and effective time management.
• Process emails, phone, Teams, Zooms, and other communications on a daily basis, action follow-up, and arrange internal and external meetings in person, in Cambridge, elsewhere in the UK, the EU, or worldwide, including online platforms (Zoom, Teams, GoogleMeet, Webex, etc.).
• Plan and manage the overall working day, balancing meetings with follow-up activities from meetings.
• Coordinate the daily operations for all personnel and students in the CGC, CDT, SRI, LMRF, and related initiatives, including updating databases and scheduling recruitment steps.
• Coordinate and plan CGC/CDT/SRI/LMRF-related events, meetings, workshops, seminars; organise and prepare agendas and minutes, in person or by delegation to operations staff.
• Interact with a wide range of people in a calm and professional manner; maintain effective communication across the dynamic environment.
• Utilise advanced IT skills, including Excel, databases and data sharing software, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, web page management, and similar systems.

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent practical experience as an Executive PA in a dynamic environment, with experience managing online diary systems and prioritising conflicting requirements.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Advanced IT/computer skills as listed above.

Contract details

Maternity cover: This post is fixed-term until 31 August 2026 or the return of the post holder, whichever is earlier.

Applications

Applications are welcome from internal candidates seeking a secondment from their current role in the University. Click the Apply button to register an account with the recruitment system and apply online. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 24 September 2025. Informal enquiries are welcome; contact the HR Office at 01223 332615 or [e-mail]. Informal enquiries about the post can be made to Professor Andrea C. Ferrari ([e-mail]). Quote reference NM47229 in applications and correspondence.

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.