Assistant Manager-Research Centres Operations

Taylor's University; Selangor; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Malaysian university is seeking an Assistant Manager for Research Centres Operations. In this role, you will manage research administration, oversee compliance with policies, and support grant applications. The ideal candidate should possess a degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in administrative or research support. Strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are essential. This position plays a critical part in ensuring the seamless operation of research activities within the university.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant administrative or research support experience, preferably in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver within tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with research processes and grants management is an added benefit.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administration of the University Research Centres.
• Ensure adherence to university policies and compliance with funding agency requirements.
• Provide administrative support for grant applications and financial monitoring.
• Compile and prepare data on research centre performance and reporting.
• Serve as the administrative contact for URC-related matters.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to work independently

Education

Recognized university degree in Administration, Management, Research Management, or related fields

Tools

Research management systems

Reporting tools

Job description

Assistant Manager-Research Centres Operations

The Assistant Manager will play an independent and critical role in managing the full spectrum of research administration matters for the University’s Research Centres (URCs). This role requires direct liaison with the Directors of each URC to provide seamless administrative, operational, and reporting support, while ensuring compliance with institutional policies and external requirements.

The successful candidate will be proactive, detail oriented, and able to work with minimal supervision. While prior knowledge of research processes and policies is not mandatory, familiarity with research administration will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Centre Administration

• Oversee day-to-day administration of the University Research Centres, ensuring smooth operations and timely execution of activities.
• Act as the primary administrative liaison between the URC Directors and the Office of the PVC (Research & Innovation).
• Maintain accurate records of meetings, reports, budgets, and projects related to the URCs.

2. Governance, Policy & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to university policies, research governance frameworks, and compliance with funding agencies’ requirements.
• Support the development and updating of administrative guidelines, processes, and documentation for URCs.
• Coordinate preparation of documentation required for audits, accreditations, and reporting.

3. Research Grants & Project Support

• Provide administrative support for grant applications, progress tracking, financial monitoring, and reporting.
• Work closely with Finance, CRM, and Legal to ensure proper governance of research funds and contracts.
• Assist researchers in understanding institutional processes and timelines for applications and reporting.

4. Data Management & Reporting

• Compile, monitor, and prepare data on research centre performance, KPIs, and activities.
• Support preparation of strategic reports for the PVC (Research & Innovation) and University leadership.
• Liaise with relevant units to ensure accuracy and timeliness of data for MyRA, QS, SETARA, and internal dashboards.

5. Stakeholder Liaison & Communication

• Serve as the administrative point of contact for URC-related matters with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support coordination of events, seminars, and strategic initiatives organized by URCs.
• Draft correspondence, minutes, and communication material as required.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A recognized university degree in Administration, Management, Research Management, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant administrative or research support experience, preferably in higher education or research environments.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively at senior levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and deliver within tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with research management systems or reporting tools is an advantage.
• Familiarity with research processes, policies, and grants management will be considered an added benefit.