Project Officer - Quantum Many-Body Physics

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a part-time Project Officer in Quantum Many-Body Physics to support a funded research project. The role involves collaboration with researchers across Durham, London, Birmingham, France, Germany, and the USA, focusing on many-body quantum systems. Responsibilities include managing events, budgets, and maintaining project records. Applicants should have strong communication skills, experience in high-level administration, and be organized. This position offers flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus public holidays

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive travel support

Qualifications

• Experience providing advice and guidance to a diverse range of customers.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering high-level administrative services.
• Experience implementing policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support a research project exploring many-body quantum systems.
• Work with project partners and organize events.
• Manage budgets and maintain records.

Skills

Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Strong digital competence across digital devices

Planning and organising large-scale events

Problem-solving and decision-making skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Five GCSEs at Grade C or level four including English Language and Mathematics

Tools

Microsoft 365

SharePoint

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please get in touch with us at [e-mail].

Job Details

• Job Title: Project Officer – Quantum Many‑Body Physics
• Job Number: 25001296
• Department: Physics
• Contract Type: Fixed Term – Part Time
• Contract Duration: 60 months
• Working Arrangements: Part‑time (approximately 14 hours per week)
• Target Start Date: No later than 1 February 2026
• Closing Date: 04‑Jan‑2026, 11:59:00 PM
• Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not applicable

Role and Department

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of its students. This part‑time fixed‑term Project Officer position supports a new research project within the Durham Quantum Light and Matter group, funded by UKRI. The project focuses on the behaviour of interacting many‑body quantum systems and is a collaboration with researchers in Durham, London, Birmingham, France, Germany and the USA. The post holder will work directly with Prof. Simon Cornish (Physics), the science lead and overall programme manager. Please note that the role may involve travel beyond the University, including visits to partner institutions and external events; flexibility and willingness to travel are therefore important.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year (total 39 days) pro‑rata to the part‑time contract.
• Generous pension scheme – automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Comprehensive travel support: parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discount with local transport providers and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme.
• Professional development: wide range of courses, apprenticeships and dedicated annual time for personal development.
• Health and wellbeing support: discounted gym membership and 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On‑site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Generous maternity and adoption leave.
• Opportunities for volunteering and exclusive benefits via the benefits portal.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for tax savings.
• Relocation support: help with removal costs, house hunting and schools; visa cost coverage and interest‑free loan for dependent visas.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We aim to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We actively work to provide an environment that supports staff and students, reflecting the diversity of the global community. We welcome applications from groups under‑represented in our workforce, including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Experience

• Five GCSEs at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post‑16 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering high‑level administrative services.
• Experience providing advice and guidance to a diverse range of customers and colleagues.
• Experience implementing policies and procedures.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

• Excellent spoken and written communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships.
• Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps, including Microsoft 365 and SharePoint.
• Committed to continuous professional development.
• Planning and organising large‑scale events and workshops with project partners.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Engagement in networks to share and discuss best practice.
• Meeting management: scheduling, minutes and action tracking.
• Initiative and ability to work independently.
• Record maintenance and budget management.
• Project website development and maintenance.
• Support for multi‑partner programmes.

Application Process

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each essential criterion in the person specification. Where there are desirable criteria, evidence is also welcome. Applicants should provide:

• A CV.
• A covering letter or statement illustrating how they meet the criteria within the person specification.

We prefer applications online. We will update you on your application status via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system; please check spam/junk folders. If you have any questions, please contact Professor Simon Cornish at [e-mail].

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
• Ensuring procedures and values are reflected in all aspects of the service.
• Providing specialist advice and resolving service‑related problems.
• Investigating and resolving issues, making recommendations based on findings.
• Managing, maintaining and monitoring designated systems for safety, security and compliance.
• Delivering high‑quality service to staff, students and project stakeholders.
• Collecting, recording and analysing accurate data and providing reports to senior colleagues.
• Implementing changes to ensure data integrity.

Planning and Organising

• Planning and organising workload to deliver the role.
• Managing and delivering assigned projects, activities and events in line with project objectives.
• Supervising staff and teams involved in project events.
• Seeking feedback to ensure services meet customer expectations.
• Managing budgets and expenditure, providing advice and guidance to other staff.
• Improving services through meetings, working groups and committees.
• Building relationships with project partners and external networks.
• Performing any other reasonable duties.

Other Information

Applicants will provide data to Durham University, processed in accordance with the University Privacy Statement. The role is part‑time and fixed‑term for 5 years. Immigration requirements (including salary thresholds for some visas) apply. For any adjustments needed during the application process, contact [e-mail].