Operations Officer (Research) in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) is a leading UK facility advancing low‑carbon energy solutions. It houses one of Europe’s largest pilot‑scale research centres, specialising in hydrogen, bio‑energy, carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuels. The EIC is a dynamic hub of innovation, driving progress toward the UK’s net‑zero goals.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI), provide effective one‑to‑one support for their diverse portfolio of research projects in line with University and funder guidelines and policies.
• Act as a key interface between PI and RPI, Faculty Research Hubs, Faculty Marketing & Communications and Faculty Finance, providing local support for internal and external systems associated with maintenance of research funding, outputs and impact.
• Provide support to academic colleagues, ensuring effective planning, control and optimisation of a portfolio of projects raising any concerns including progress or partner issues, which may add risk to the delivery of projects.
• Maintain appropriate records including timesheets and other management information to support the preparation of reports relating to deliverables and for audit purposes.
• Act as a key point of contact for researchers applying for ethics review, providing administrative support to the local review processes and escalating queries to relevant colleagues when required.
• Arrange, attend, and service a wide variety of research meetings (both internal and external), collating and disseminating paperwork and taking minutes when necessary.
• Provide administrative support for export control, signposting to RPI colleagues for advice and guidance.
• Plan and co‑ordinate events and opportunities for engaging non‑academic audiences with the Centre’s research, demonstrating the contribution we make to society and the economy.
• Organise and host occasional visits to the Centre from funding bodies or potential industrial partners.
• Work with the Centre’s Marketing and Communications officer to co‑ordinate the promotion of research through social media channels, the website, brochures, events, etc.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification & Criteria

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
• Previous experience in a professional role, ideally within a Higher Education or similar environment.
• Experience of motivating and communicating with a team of staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, working with accuracy and attention to detail; experience of communicating with a range of audiences and ideas.
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities within required deadlines.
• Working knowledge of key funder guidelines (EPSRC, Innovate).
• A creative and flexible approach to problem‑solving, with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
• Experience of high‑quality administrative and business support within a complex organisation including evidence of implementing service improvements.
• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality and recognise and manage sensitive issues appropriately.
• Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries.
• Experience of working flexibly and collegiately to achieve strategic aims.
• Experience of using project‑management software tools (e.g. Trello).

Benefits

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days, pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• Staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g. Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development with access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with the Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies, such as paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, access to menopause support in the workplace, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this role, you will be invited to the next stage of the selection process. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.