At a Glance
- Tasks: Support science research projects by managing contracts and project administration.
- Company: Join BTO, a leading charity dedicated to bird conservation and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental science while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Organised individuals with experience in contract management are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 36500 £ per year.
Location ideally BTO NI office in Lisburn (hybrid), training will take place in Thetford, Norfolk, England. Part time/Full time (3-5 days per week), Fixed term (until March 29) £32,637 (pro rata) per annum + 11% employer pension contribution.
We are looking for a highly organised and skilled individual to join our Research Support team. The Research Support Team facilitates the acquisition and delivery of science research projects by supporting and administering tenders and contracts, and by providing a project management system which is used to manage all project-based science work, including work funded by grants and donations.
This is a fixed-term position, currently expected to conclude around March 2029, though this could end sooner or be extended subject to project requirements. The postholder will be responsible for the administration of a specific EU funding grant for 3 days a week, “A Changing Climate Impact Monitoring and Assessment Toolbox for Irish Seas (ACCLIMATISE)”, a project funded under PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The postholder will also be required to work alongside other Research Support Officers / Administrators, reporting to the Head of the Research Support Team. If applying for the role of 5 days a week, the successful candidate should be able to read and review/compare lengthy contract documentation and will have previous experience in writing/reading contracts/proposals.
This position is ideally based at the BTO NI Office in Lisburn. If based at the BTO office you will be able to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime and flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance. Training on BTO systems will take place at BTO in Thetford, Norfolk, England.
You can read the full role description by clicking on the role description under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page.
Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail. Please note that, if you are the successful candidate, you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your right to live and work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.
WHAT DOES BTO DO? BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.
Our values We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering. Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?
WHAT WE OFFER
- £32,637 per annum, pro rata
- Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
- Paid 'journey days' (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
- Life assurance (four times salary)
- 11% employer pension contribution
- Employee Assistance Programme offering help and advice to staff and their families on matters related to bereavement, wellbeing, finances, relationships, family and more. This includes a number of free counselling sessions.
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced Family leave- Maternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Leave, 12 weeks at full pay.
- Paternity and Partner leave, 4 weeks at full pay.
- Health cash plan which enables staff to claim back some healthcare expenses, such as prescriptions, dental treatment and specialist diagnostic tests.
- Discounts on gym memberships and various retailers, a virtual GP and prescription service, on-demand wellness content (fitness, yoga, meditation, sleep, mindfulness) and access to Health Lens, Eargym, and digital physiotherapy via Phio.
- Retail discounts through MyLifestyle.
- Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
- Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (15% off)
- Free access to BTO training courses
- Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
- Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
- Free car parking
- Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
- Coaching and mentoring scheme
- Staff groups and forums- First Aiders and mental health first aiders, Coaching and mentoring, Diversity working, Sustainability and Natural Working, Becoming Inclusive, Neurodiversity group, LGBTQ+ group and our staff group creating a positive and welcoming culture to work in.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
- Commitment to sustainability
Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 23rd November and interviews will be held on 8th & 9th December. If you have any questions, please contact us. If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy. We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you'll be guaranteed a first stage interview. In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview.
Research Support Officer in Belfast employer: BTO
BTO is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible hybrid working model from our Lisburn office. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, we provide generous benefits including an 11% pension contribution, enhanced family leave, and access to comprehensive health and wellness resources, ensuring our team can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on bird conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Support Officer in Belfast
✨Leverage University Connections
If you're still at uni or have recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and research departments. They often have leads on temporary research roles, internships, or projects that haven’t been widely advertised yet!
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Join online forums and local meetups specific to your research area. Platforms like ResearchGate or specific Facebook groups can be goldmines for finding short-term research opportunities and connecting with fellow researchers who might know of openings.
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Create a professional portfolio showcasing your research work or projects. This doesn’t have to be fancy; a simple website or a well-organised LinkedIn profile can make you stand out to potential employers like BTO.
✨Apply through Our Website!
Remember to check out the openings on our website. Applying directly for roles like the Research Support Officer at BTO shows your enthusiasm and makes you more visible to hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Support Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:For a temporary role in scientific research, it’s key to highlight your hands-on experience and skills. Use your CV to detail any relevant projects or experiments you’ve worked on, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and techniques you've mastered. Don’t forget to mention any lab techniques or tools that you’re familiar with – this can really set you apart!
Highlight Your Adaptability:Since this is a temporary position, employers like BTO will want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to quickly grasp new concepts and fit in with diverse teams. Give examples of past experiences where you had to adapt swiftly, as it shows you’re ready for any challenges the research might throw at you.
Academic Credentials Matter:Make sure your academic background shines through, especially any relevant degrees, certifications, or publications. If you’ve been involved in conducting research, definitely bring that up! It’s important to demonstrate your theoretical foundations and any formal recognitions you've received in the scientific field.
Include References from Previous Researchers:Having strong references can make all the difference in a temporary role in scientific research. If you can, include references from previous supervisors or professors who can vouch for your research capabilities and work ethic. This adds credibility to your application and gives BTO assurance of your skills and professional behaviour.
How to prepare for a job interview at BTO
✨Understand the Research Landscape
Dive deep into the specific area of scientific research that BTO focuses on. Whether it's biotech or environmental sciences, familiarise yourself with recent publications and breakthroughs. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but you're genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Don't Skip the Technical Skills
As a temporary hire, you might be expected to hit the ground running. Be ready to discuss specific techniques or tools you’ve used, like statistical software or lab equipment. Practise explaining your experience in a clear, structured way so the interviewers can grasp your skills right away.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new protocols and projects. Be prepared to share examples of how you've managed shifting priorities or learned new methodologies on the fly. This will help demonstrate that you're a quick learner who can contribute immediately.
✨Bring Your Best Work to the Table
Even if this is a temporary gig, showcase any relevant projects or research you've completed. If you have a portfolio, make it succinct yet impactful. Showcasing tangible results can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers at BTO.
