Strategic Research Institute Coordinator

Plymouth University; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an individual for operational management within the Marine Institute. The role involves project management, supporting strategic initiatives, and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The successful applicant will enjoy generous annual leave and flexible working arrangements. This role is primarily on-site in Plymouth and supports marine-related research and activities.

Benefits

35 Days Annual Leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with research processes and cycles.

Responsibilities

• Deliver operational management for the Marine Institute.
• Engage with staff, students, and external partners.
• Shape and deliver marine-related activities.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Research literacy

Numeracy and literacy

Education

Postgraduate qualification (PhD or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

The Marine Insitute has one of the largest marine and maritime portfolios in Europe and represents all areas of the University that engage with the marine realm, including physical, environmental and biological science, engineering and maritime business, as well as human health, coastal geography and economy, art, history and law. It has an international reputation for world-leading, transdisciplinary research. Your role will be key to a small team that champions and delivers the Institute's strategic priorities.

About the role

This post helps deliver the mission of the Marine Institute, providing operational management and support to enable the delivery of the Institute’s strategic plan. This will include project management and analysis, as well as communication and engagement activities with staff, students, external partners, and the general public; as well as elements of strategic planning and business case development.

Key responsibilities will include shaping and direct delivery of marine-related activities and support for projects aligned to the priorities of the Institute and the University’s 2030 vision, ensuring they deliver value and are cost effective. To achieve this, you will need to maintain and build collaborations with individual academics, Research Centres, Schools, Faculties, and external partners.

For more information on School of Biological and Marine Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at

For this role, you will need to be on site 4 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on‑site will be expected due to business needs.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Richard Thompson : by email at

You will have

• A postgraduate qualification such as a PhD or equivalent professional experience in an area relevant to the Marine Institute
• Numeracy and literacy at secondary education level (or demonstrable equivalent experience), advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Word / Excel / Outlook / PowerPoint and databases
• Research literacy, knowledge / experience of research processes, cycles and systems
• Ideally a research track record in an area relevant to the Institute

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date : Wednesday 28 January 2026

Our Offer

A successful external candidate for this position would be employed by the University of Plymouth Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Plymouth. Employees of the University of Plymouth Services Limited work alongside the University of Plymouth colleagues in delivery of Plymouth’s strategic vision, and will adopt the University of Plymouth’s HR policies and procedures in full unless otherwise stated.

When joining us, you will receive

• Generous annual leave : 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .