Science Programmes Officer

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Wallingford; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental research institute in the UK seeks a Science Programmes Officer to support project management for the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure. This role involves maintaining project clarity, coordinating logistics, and providing hands-on support for an engaging project dynamic. The ideal candidate will possess a project management qualification or relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and a keen interest in environmental research, all within a hybrid working model.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Hybrid working arrangements

Dental insurance

Gym/fitness discounts

Peer reward and recognition scheme

Qualifications

• Project management qualification or relevant experience in a project/programme/PMO environment.
• Interest in environmental issues and using technology in research.
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with stakeholders.
• Keen attention to detail and a methodical approach.

Responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact for project enquiries.
• Maintain accurate project information and documentation.
• Coordinate meetings including scheduling and preparing agendas.
• Support procurement and manage small projects.

Skills

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Project management qualification or relevant experience

Tools

MS Office

SharePoint

Teams

Job description

Key Details

Salary: £31,942 - £33,898. Hybrid working (50/50). Permanent. Closing date for applications: 19 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

About the Role

Are you enthusiastic about developing your project management skills and ready to grow your career in a supportive, hands‑on environment?

An opportunity has arisen for a Science Programmes Officer to join the project management team for the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) – a major national investment in UK hydrological science (https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/floods-and-droughts-research-infrastructure-fdri).

Reporting to the PMO Manager, you’ll join a small, collaborative team of six project management professionals and play a vital role in supporting the delivery of this high‑profile and exciting programme of work. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous experience, or a keen interest, in developing a career in the project management space, who also thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Working closely with your team, you’ll play an important role in keeping projects on track and running smoothly, gaining hands‑on experience in all aspects of project management. You’ll take the lead in coordinating logistics and supporting engaging events for both team and programme‑wide meetings, helping colleagues stay connected and well informed. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to get involved in project planning and data collection, contributing to key decisions and seeing firsthand how your work helps the programme succeed. This is an exciting chance to develop practical skills, build confidence and grow your career in project management within a supportive and collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Act as a first point of contact through the project inbox, triaging enquiries and ensuring they reach the right people
• Maintain accurate and accessible project information, ensuring documentation is well managed and easy to navigate
• Coordinate meetings end‑to‑end, including scheduling, preparing papers and capturing clear, meaningful minutes
• Keep the project intranet and calendar up to date, sharing timely information and updates with the wider team
• Support procurement activity, including sourcing supplies and coordinating with contractors
• Take ownership of ad‑hoc tasks and small sub‑projects, seeing them through from start to finish
• Proactively suggest and help implement improvements that increase efficiency and ways of working
• Be an active voice in the weekly PMO team meeting, contributing ideas, insight and constructive challenge
• Welcome and onboard new team members, helping them settle in quickly and feel part of the team

Qualifications & Requirements

• Either a project management qualification with little or no practical experience, or relevant experience in a project/programme/PMO environment without a formal qualification. Alternatively, a love of administration and organisation combined with a project management qualification (or working towards one)
• An interest in environmental issues and harnessing technology to support and improve research
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with people at all levels across the organisation and with external stakeholders
• A keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to routine tasks
• Proactive and able to work independently, while understanding the importance of seeking guidance when needed
• Willingness to travel occasionally for project meetings in Lancaster, which may involve a few nights away
• Confidence using standard office software (MS Office, SharePoint, Teams)

About UKCEH

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not‑for‑profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24‑hour, 365‑day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more

How to Apply

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please submit your CV along with a supporting statement (max. 300 words) that clearly addresses all three questions below, using brief examples from your current or previous roles:

• How have you used project management approaches in a current or previous role?
• How do you manage your time and objectives?
• How have you used MS Office, SharePoint, MS Teams or other software to support your work or collaboration?

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone — regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance — has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process; please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.