Research Coordinator/PA (Part Time, Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a part-time Research Coordinator/PA to support research activities in the Department of Genetics. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational and communication skills, experience in project coordination, and a proficiency in Microsoft Office. This role offers a dynamic working environment, generous benefits, and opportunities for training and development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Contributory pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative or project coordination roles.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Familiarity with university systems and processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate administration of multiple research projects.
• Monitor project milestones, deadlines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Provide PA support to Professor Durbin.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Multi-tasking

Job description

Overview

The Department of Genetics is seeking a highly organised and proactive Research Coordinator/PA, on a part time (60%) basis, to support the Research Group of Professor Richard Durbin. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines research project coordination with personal assistant duties, offering the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research in computational and mathematical genetics. The Durbin Group is involved in a wide range of projects, including genetic variation, evolutionary and population genetics in humans and cichlid fishes, and the development of algorithms and software for high-throughput sequencing and genome assembly. The group is currently funded by major grants from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the administration of multiple research projects
• Monitor project milestones, deadlines, deliverables, and budgets
• Liaise with stakeholders and collaborators in the UK and internationally (e.g. Copenhagen)
• Organise field trips, workshops, training sessions, and conferences
• Manage travel arrangements, expenses, and event logistics
• Provide PA support to Professor Durbin, including diary management, meeting coordination, and travel planning
• Maintain accurate records of group absences and HR documentation
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new group members and visitors
• Assist with manuscript submissions, literature searches, and research governance applications
• Maintain and update the group website and publicise project activities
• Prepare reports and assist with grant-related communications

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative or project coordination roles
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong communication skills and ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with University systems and processes (desirable)

What we offer

The Department of Genetics offers a dynamic and supportive working environment that champions equity, diversity and inclusion. We host staff events and encourage participation in committees. This role sits within our supportive staff team and offers opportunities for training and development to support your career in the University. Benefits include a generous annual leave allowance, contributory pension scheme and flexible working arrangements where possible. Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 1 March 2027 in the first instance. To find out more about the work of the Durbin Group, please visit the group website. We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for flexible working arrangements.