At a Glance
- Tasks: Support scientists with administrative tasks, coordinate events, and manage travel arrangements.
- Company: Join the Francis Crick Institute, Europe's largest biomedical research hub, making a real impact on health.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, health support, gym discounts, and a pension scheme with up to 16% employer contributions.
- Other info: This role offers potential progression to Science Operations Co-ordinator after 12 months.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research while developing your skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: A degree or equivalent experience with strong admin skills and IT proficiency is required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 36000 Β£ per year.
The Francis Crick Institute has an exciting opportunity for a Science Operations Administrator to join one of the world’s leading research institutes at a crucial time in its evolution. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary from £31,185 per annum, with benefits, subject to skills and experience.
Working pattern: Monday – Friday. The role is based in London, Kings Cross, and is based on site 4 days a week with one day hybrid after induction. The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Science Operations Administrator role has the potential to progress to a Science Operations Co-ordinator role after 12 months. As a Science Operations Administrator, you will play a vital role in supporting the needs of the science at the Crick, using independent judgment and initiative to meet the evolving needs of the Institute. Working as part of a team, you will provide comprehensive administrative support across various scientific groups. The role is essential in ensuring all scientists and science-related teams receive the high-level administrative assistance they require in order to focus on their science.
Your main responsibilities will revolve around providing administrative support to scientific staff and labs. You will cover various administrative areas such as coordinating lab events, supporting with travel and expenses. You will be joining a team of 20 Science Operations Administrators and Science Project Co-ordinators working across the Crick.
As a Science Operations Administrator at the Crick, you will:
- Provide general administrative support to all laboratory-based staff
- Act as the first point of contact for staff queries, addressing them promptly and effectively
- Coordinate and arrange internal and external events (including seminars, laboratory meetings, special interest group meetings, etc.), including booking meeting rooms, equipment, preparing visitor itineraries, advertising events on internal and external platforms, and arranging reimbursements as necessary
- Organise domestic and overseas travel and accommodation and produce concise travel itineraries for Group Leaders & STP Leads and their visitors
- Oversee the processing and tracking of travel and expense claims in line with established policies, providing support for complex reimbursement cases
- Conduct administrative and floor inductions for new staff members joining the institute
- Support Group Leaders & STP Leads with recruitment tasks, including co-ordinating with HR, organising interviews, ensuring all documentation is submitted, and assisting with onboarding new staff
As our Science Operations Administrator, you will bring:
- A degree or equivalent experience
- Proven experience of providing high-level administrative support to a diverse team, with the ability to adapt to operational needs within a research or lab environment
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages, databases and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of seniority
- Extensive experience working in a sensitive and confidential environment
- High degree of flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and open-ended tasks
- Strong focus on process management, with the ability to adapt to evolving procedures and manage multiple process documents efficiently
- Excellent written communication skills
What will you receive? At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:
- Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.
- Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.
- Health & Well-being: 24/7 GP consultation services, occupational health services and mental health support programs, eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Back-up care for dependents, childcare support allowance, annual leave purchase options.
- Perks: Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts, subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.
- Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.
Closing date: 25th June 2025. If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Science Operations Administrator please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you! Please note, this role may be taken down before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found, therefore we advise that you apply for the role as soon as you can. All offers of employment are subject to successful security screening and continuous eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
Science Operations Administrator employer: The Francis Crick Institute
The Francis Crick Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where you can contribute to groundbreaking biomedical research. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, generous leave policies, and extensive professional development opportunities, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join a dedicated team of professionals and enjoy unique perks such as discounted gym memberships and a supportive work-life balance, all while playing a pivotal role in advancing scientific discovery.
Contact Details:
The Francis Crick Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Science Operations Administrator
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Francis Crick Institute's mission and recent research projects. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during any discussions or interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Crick Institute on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and the specific demands of the Science Operations Administrator role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing administrative tasks in a scientific environment. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your organisational skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and any relevant databases or ERP systems. Consider preparing a brief demonstration of how you've used these tools effectively in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Science Operations Administrator
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Science Operations Administrator role. Emphasise your administrative support experience, particularly in a research or lab environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the Francis Crick Institute. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for the role, especially your ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Highlight IT Proficiency:Since strong IT skills are essential for this role, be sure to mention your proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and any ERP systems you have used. Provide examples of how you've utilised these tools in previous roles.
Showcase Interpersonal Skills:Given the importance of communication in this role, include examples of how you've effectively interacted with diverse teams and addressed queries promptly. Highlight any experience you have in a sensitive and confidential environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Francis Crick Institute
β¨Research the Institute
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the Francis Crick Institute, its mission, and recent research projects. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
β¨Prepare for Administrative Scenarios
Since the role involves providing high-level administrative support, be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or resolved complex issues. Think of scenarios that highlight your organisational skills and adaptability.
β¨Showcase Your IT Skills
The job requires strong IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office and ERP systems. Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with these tools and provide examples of how you've used them effectively in previous roles.
β¨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
As a Science Operations Administrator, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully interacted with diverse teams and handled sensitive situations, showcasing your excellent interpersonal skills.