At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate administrative support and manage client-facing activities for research services.
- Company: Lancaster University, part of a national research support network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact in health and social care research.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, excellent organisation, and experience in client-facing roles.
The predicted salary is between 26707 - 30378 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £26,707 to £30,378 full time, indefinite with end date
Closing Date: Thursday 09 July 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 0473-26-R
About the Position
Lancaster University, in collaboration with the Universities of Liverpool, Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan, hosts one of the eight National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service (RSS) centres. The centre is a national NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care and provides seamless access to research support, advice, design and collaboration from pre‑grant through to post‑grant stages for researchers across the NIHR remit in England.
Role Overview
This busy and varied position will help shape our administrative structures and processes, working closely within the Central Coordinating team and with RSS centres nationally. The Service Co‑ordinator will play a key role in delivering operational excellence across all service activities and workstreams by coordinating high‑quality administrative support.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing client‑facing activities and events
- Supporting public contributors and public involvement work
- Handling a wide range of day‑to‑day enquiries
- Acting as the first point of contact for our service
- Supporting meetings, planning and organising events (both face‑to‑face and online)
- Maintaining accurate records
- Ensuring precise, reliable service data
Qualifications
- Strong administrative skills and experience managing administrative processes
- Excellent organisational ability to support meetings and events
- Ability to maintain accurate records and data
- Experience in a role where the individual was the first point of contact and handled enquiries
- Capacity to work across multiple workstreams and collaborate with national centres
Benefits and Working Arrangements
The post is available for immediate start with a flexible working policy that includes condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. Some remote working will be considered but attendance at the University Campus will be required on an agreed basis. The position is on an indefinite contract that will end on 30th September 2028 due to external funding.
Diversity and Equality
Lancaster University warmly welcomes applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
NIHR Research Support Service Coordinator - 0473-26-R employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the NIHR Research Support Service. With a commitment to diversity and equality, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to impactful research initiatives in a supportive community. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a balance of professional fulfilment and personal well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NIHR Research Support Service Coordinator - 0473-26-R
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lancaster University.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lancaster University!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lancaster University, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lancaster University or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace NIHR Research Support Service Coordinator - 0473-26-R
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lancaster University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancaster University! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
