Project Coordinator (Part Time, Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in the UK seeks an administrative support person for a research project on human evolution. Responsibilities include liaising with stakeholders, data organization, and compliance management. The role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, with an interest in human evolution strongly encouraged. This part-time position has fixed-term funding available until October 2030, with a flexible start date.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail required.
• Requires ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Proficient communication skills needed for stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as main point of contact for stakeholders.
• Support project report preparation and data organization.
• Facilitate team engagement and ensure project compliance.

Skills

Excellent organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Strong interpersonal skills

Written communication skills

Oral communication skills

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Interest in human evolution

Job description

Position Overview

The post holder will work as part of the ERC Starting Grant project STEPS: Biomechanical simulations of hominin locomotion across complex terrains led by Principal Investigator Dr Ashleigh Wiseman (University of Cambridge). STEPS is an interdisciplinary project combining human evolution, evolutionary biomechanics, and comparative anatomy to address the selective pressures that produced the human‑like body plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact, liaising with stakeholders and partner institutions.
• Support the preparation of reports, permits and applications.
• Assist with data processing and ensure accurate transcription and organization of research data.
• Facilitate engagement across the project team, maintaining smooth operation of the wider project.
• Carry out HR and payroll administration for the project.
• Provide administrative support to the Principal Investigator and project team members.
• Ensure project administration complies with sponsor terms, Research Office and University regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and Teams.
• Interest in human evolution.

Additional Information

The role is 0.5 FTE (18.25 hours per week) with working hours to be agreed. Fixed‑term funding is available until 31 October 2030 in the first instance.

Application Process

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online. The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 02 January 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 19 January 2026. Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Ashleigh Wiseman ([e-mail]). For queries regarding the application process please contact [e-mail]. Please quote reference JC47886 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.