Project Coordinator (Fixed Term)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A research institution is seeking a Project Co-ordinator to provide organisational and administrative support for a 12-month project focused on human evolution. The role includes coordinating activities, managing communication with stakeholders, and assisting with data collection, including time spent in Kenya. The position requires excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Starting date should be no later than 15 November 2025.

Qualifications

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Preparedness to spend periods of time in Kenya.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the project.
• Oversee administration of project milestones, records, and financial processes.
• Act as a key point of contact; liaise with stakeholders and partner institutions.
• Organise meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Carry out HR and payroll administration.
• Assist with accurate transcription and organisation of research data.

Skills

Excellent organisation skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Computer skills (spreadsheets and databases)

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Job description

Overview

Applications are invited for a 12-month Project Co-ordinator position on the Ng'IPALAJEM project, funded by the ERC. The project aims at collecting new palaeontological, archaeological and geological data in the field and in museums to tackle questions about human evolution in Africa in the last million years and is led by Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr. Further information about the project and its collaborative partners can be found at: https://www.palaeotrails.org/current-projects/ngipalajem/.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the project, ensuring effective coordination of activities, events, and communications.
• Oversee administration of project milestones, records, and financial processes, maintain accurate databases, websites, and documentation in line with university policies and procedures.
• Act as a key point of contact; liaise with stakeholders and partner institutions; support the preparation of reports, permits, and applications; facilitate engagement across the project team.
• Organise meetings, workshops, and conferences; manage publicity and dissemination activities, including through social media.
• Carry out HR and payroll administration; provide administrative support to the Principal Investigator and committees.
• Assist with accurate transcription and organisation of research data; contribute to the smooth running of the wider project team.
• Be prepared to spend periods of time in Kenya for data collection or fieldwork support.

Location and Term

The successful applicant will be based at the Henry Wellcome Building, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, and be prepared to spend time in Kenya assisting in the collection of data or during the project's fieldwork.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Requirements

• Excellent organisation skills; attention to detail; ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; computer skills (spreadsheets and databases); excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Preparedness to spend periods of time in Kenya.

Starting Date

Starting date should be no later than 15 November 2025.

Application Process

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Closing date for application is: Friday 17 October 2025

Interviews will be held online shortly after the closing date.

Contacts

Informal enquiries should be addressed to: Prof. Marta Mirazón Lahr, [e-mail]

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact [e-mail]

Please quote reference JC47509 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Equality and Eligibility

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.