At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Common Ground leadership programme and engage with students to enhance their experience.
- Company: University of Edinburgh, a vibrant and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for hybrid working and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Current University of Edinburgh PhD student with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 33951 £ per year.
UE05: £29,588 -£33,951 per annum pro rata
University Secretary’s Group (USG)
Part Time: 9 hours per week
Fixed term: Monday 28th September 2026 - Friday 25th June 2027
The Opportunity: Your next step starts here. Be part of something bigger. Make a meaningful impact. Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing.
The Common Ground leaders programme is a new, selective, co-curricular Edinburgh Award pilot programme designed to equip students with the practical skills, experience and reflective capacity to lead in a context of growing social and political polarisation. The programme responds to a defining challenge for universities and wider society: how to sustain shared civic life in the face of deepening division, fragmentation and mistrust. It aims to give students meaningful opportunities to explore these challenges while developing their confidence and capacity to engage constructively across differences.
Common Ground will be built around experiential, practice-based development. Rather than simply studying division, students will engage with it directly, applying their learning and leadership skills to real-world challenges. The pilot is also planned to involve partnership with high-profile public figures in Scotland, bringing additional perspectives and experience to the programme.
As Programme Assistant, you will provide the administrative and coordination support needed to help establish and deliver the programme successfully. You will also engage directly with participating students, helping to create a well-organised, supportive and positive experience throughout their involvement in Common Ground. This is an opportunity to contribute to a new programme from an early stage, working with colleagues and partners to help turn an ambitious concept into a high-quality experience for University of Edinburgh students.
As part of the University, you are part of our community. We look for colleagues with diverse experiences, with drive, curiosity, and a genuine passion for their work. We are a place where everyone is welcome, and we offer a range of great policies and benefits designed to give you meaningful support inside and outside of work.
A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Opportunities to develop new skills and broaden your experience
- Responsibility and autonomy
- Contributing to the work and purpose of the University
- Variety every day
This post is part time (9 hours per week); however, we are open to how these hours are worked within a week. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
This role is part of the Employ.ed for PhDs Programme. The programme offers work experience designed to enhance your professional skills. It will also help widen your professional network and provide an insight into a different workplace, discipline or industry. As an Employ.ed for PhDs intern, you will also receive tailored developmental support from the Careers Service to help you make the most of your internship.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion: The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from candidates widening participation (WP) backgrounds.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
Please also note that you are only eligible for this opportunity if you are a current University of Edinburgh PhD student, who will be based in the UK for the duration of the internship.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 4 September 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will be held Monday 7th October and/or Thursday 10th October.
The University will employ full-time PGR students for no more than an average of 9 hours per week across the academic year (as per its policy), and you must make sure any employment complies with any visa or funding conditions you may have. Should you be successful, you will require written confirmation from your academic supervisor that you can undertake the internship. We recommend that students discuss the internship with their supervisor, as well as with their employer, before applying.
Common Ground Leadership Assistant employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge research in cyber-security. Located in Glasgow, the university fosters a vibrant community that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all staff members.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Common Ground Leadership Assistant
✨Tap into Leadership Networks
Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attend local management meetups. Networking with fellow leaders can open doors to part-time roles and help you get a feel for the corporate culture at companies like The University of Edinburgh.
✨Leverage Your Existing Connections
Don’t hesitate to ask your professional contacts if they know of any part-time leadership positions. Sometimes it's all about who you know, and your connections might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Spotlight Your Leadership Skills
When you show up to interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and successes. Tailor your discussion points to how you can bring value to The University of Edinburgh in a part-time capacity, focusing on your ability to drive team performance.
✨Consider Consulting for Flexibility
If you're keen on part-time leadership roles, think about contracting or consulting. It can provide you with a broader range of experiences and allows you to build a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing your leadership across different challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Common Ground Leadership Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Incorporate examples from your experiences that highlight your leadership style and effectiveness. We want to see how you've managed teams or contributed to strategic initiatives, even if it was in a part-time capacity. Make sure to reflect on your decision-making process and any measurable outcomes you've achieved.
Cater to the Corporate Environment:Tailor your CV to highlight skills that are crucial for corporate leadership, like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and people management. Don’t forget to mention relevant coursework or certifications that align with the part-time role. It's all about showing how you can bring value to The University of Edinburgh through your academic and professional background.
Make Your Part-Time Availability Clear:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know how many hours you can dedicate each week and how your schedule fits with the needs of The University of Edinburgh. This helps us understand how you can seamlessly integrate into our team while balancing your commitments.
Engage with Our Vision:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for The University of Edinburgh’s mission and how your values align with our corporate culture. We want to see your passion for leadership and management in action, so don't hold back on conveying what draws you to this specific part-time opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Off Your Strategic Thinking
In corporate leadership, they’re looking for someone who can think strategically and make tough decisions. Be ready to discuss past leadership experiences where you had to analyse complex situations and come up with solutions. Think of using the STAR method to structure your answers—it's a game changer for giving clear examples!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect plenty of behavioural questions during your interview with The University of Edinburgh. They might ask how you've handled team conflicts or how you’ve inspired others. Brush up on key leadership theories or practices you've applied before, so you can demonstrate your fit for a part-time role without sacrificing experience.
✨Know Your Numbers
Even in part-time corporate roles, you might be asked to discuss key performance indicators or metrics relevant to the position. Brush up on how you’ve used data to drive decisions or track project success. It's a good way to show you understand the business side of leadership and can contribute meaningfully from day one!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, the ability to adapt to changing priorities is key. Be prepared to talk about how you manage your time and remain committed to your responsibilities. Share a few anecdotes showcasing your dedication and how you maintain high performance even with part-time hours. It's all about showing you can make a difference without being full-time!
