Research Administrator CARES-Well NIHR Partnership Grant

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Guildford is seeking an organized and proactive individual to provide administrative support for a national health research project. This role involves assisting with project management tasks and providing personal assistant support to key researchers. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and experience in administrative roles, preferably in a university or NHS setting.

Benefits

Support for diversity and inclusion

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Flexible and proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work independently within a team.
• Previous experience in an administrative role.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for a national research project.
• Manage diaries, raise purchase orders and file expenses.
• Work with NHS senior leaders and key stakeholders.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Reference manager databases

Job description

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

This is a 0.6 FTE fixed term post for 4.5 years to February 2030.

We are seeking a pro-active, self-motivated and highly organised team player to provide research project administrative support and some PA support to a friendly team within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Surrey. The successful applicant will be responsible for the smooth running of this National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) national research project that aims to improve the wellbeing of the UK healthcare workforce so that they can thrive and provide excellent patient care. One of the key aims of the partnership is to ensure inclusion of ‘seldom heard’ groups, who are likely to include staff from racially minoritised groups, internationally recruited and disabled staff.

The successful applicant will be based at the University of Surrey and will work across organisations as part of a national team, working with a project manager and academics, across multiple UK universities, in partnership with NHS senior leaders, clinicians, patients and other key stakeholders with an interest in workforce wellbeing.

You will be responsible for the efficient running of key administrative elements of this large-scale workforce research partnership project, with strong supervision and support from an experienced wider research team including the project manager. Providing some personal assistant support (e.g. diary management, raising purchase orders and filing expenses) for Professors Cath Taylor and Jill Maben is also part of the role. You will be part of a vibrant community at the University of Surrey through the Workforce Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) expert group (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-health-sciences/research/workforce-organisation-and-wellbeing) and the research project (https://workforceresearchsurrey.health/projects-resources/collaborative-action-for-research-engaging-in-staff-wellbeing/).

About You

The successful applicant will require a flexible and proactive approach to their work with excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently within a face to face and remote team culture. They will have a good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel spreadsheets and reference manager databases (desirable). They will demonstrate confidentiality, excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills and the ability to work on their own initiative. Organisation, planning and attention to detail are key requirements for this position. Previous experience in an administrative role is essential and experience of working within a University or NHS setting is advantageous.

As a Silver Athena SWAN award holder, Stonewall Diversity Champion and Disability Confident employer, we are committed to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Studies have shown that women and other minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. In the School of Health Sciences, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with what is stated, we encourage you to contact us to discuss. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How To Apply

Please apply on the University website with your CV and cover letter also answering the criteria questions.

Further information about the University and the School of Health Sciences can be found at http://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-health-sciences. For an informal discussion please contact Barshan Balakumar, project manager [e-mail] or project leads Professor Cath Taylor, [e-mail] or Professor Jill Maben [e-mail].

Interviews: 25th or 26th September 2025