Research Project Administrator

Scottish Association for Marine Science; Oban; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A marine research organization in Oban is seeking a Research Project Administrator to provide comprehensive administrative and financial support to the Contracts team. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational skills, experience in financial tracking, and the ability to work independently. Benefits include flexible working, additional leave purchase options, and a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Flexible & hybrid working options

Purchase of additional annual leave

Shopping discounts

Cycle 2 Work scheme

Purchases of technology through salary sacrifice

Payroll Giving

Pensions Plus

Access to health and wellbeing portals

Sabbatical scheme

Free car parking with charging points

Training & development courses

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
• Experience in financial tracking of budgets.
• Ability to work independently, prioritising tasks.

Responsibilities

• Respond to internal and external enquiries.
• Gather and organise information for reports.
• Maintain project documentation.
• Assist with audit preparation.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Proficient with Microsoft Office

Financial tracking

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Job Details

• Location: SAMS, Oban
• Contract Type: Fixed Term – 42 months
• Working Pattern: Full Time – 37 hours per week
• Salary Range: £26,444 - £29,605 per annum
• Closing date: 16th December 2025

The Role

The Research Contracts team oversees a diverse portfolio of collaborative scientific research projects, including the ACCLIMATISE and MOSAIC projects. This role will deliver high-quality, effective administrative support to the team. Based in Oban, the post-holder will work closely with project managers and colleagues across the organisation, as well as with external stakeholders such as funders, universities, research partners, and auditors.

The Research Project Administrator will provide high-quality comprehensive administrative and financial support to the Contracts team, engaging with a range of internal departments and external partners.

Project Context

The ACCLIMATISE and MOSAIC projects are supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Responsibilities

Deliver a customer-focused service by responding to internal and external enquiries, gathering and organising information, distributing reports, maintaining project documentation, and assisting with audit preparation. The role requires a meticulous, proactive mindset and strong self-motivation.

Ideal Candidate

• Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently, prioritising tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Experience in financial tracking of budgets and previous experience working in a busy office environment.
• Knowledge of research funding and experience within research administration is desirable.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible & hybrid working options.
• Purchase of additional annual leave.
• Shopping discounts.
• Cycle 2 Work scheme.
• Purchases of technology through salary sacrifice.
• Payroll Giving.
• Pensions Plus.
• Access to portals to support health and wellbeing.
• Sabbatical scheme.
• Free car parking with access to electronic charging points.
• Access to a number of training & development courses.

Additional benefits include a caring community, supportive culture, and opportunities for collaboration.

How to Apply

Interested? We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email [e-mail].

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [e-mail] quoting Job Ref. ‘D15/25.GM’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for application is 16th December 2025. Interviews to be held in early January 2026.

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must therefore already have the rights to work in the UK when applying.

Full details can be found here: www.sams.ac.uk/vacancies

Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement

SAMS is a Disability Confident Employer. Where a candidate requires reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, we encourage you to let us know. Where applicants with a disability meet the essential criteria for the job, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, talent and abilities at interview.

SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation.

SAMS follows Fair Work Practices.

SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.