At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and enhance research activities by managing grants and contracts at UCL's Chemistry Department.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university with a vibrant international community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of holiday, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and innovation in research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-leading research while fostering a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research administration and a proactive approach to service delivery.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
UCL is one of the world's leading universities, located in the heart of London. A modern, globally connected institution, UCL has a long tradition of excellence in research and education, with staff and alumni including 32 Nobel Prize winners. Its vibrant international community comprises more than 50,000 students from over 150 countries and staff from across the globe.
The Chemistry Department at University College London is the oldest in England, and today is one of the best in the UK, being ranked 3rd in the UK for its world-leading research in REF2021. The department offers undergraduate BSc and MSci programmes in Chemistry and currently teaches approximately 750 undergraduates registered in Chemistry as well as students who select Chemistry on the Natural Sciences programme and first year Chemistry for life scientists. The department also offers a number of Postgraduate Taught Masters courses with about 80 students per year and has an overall PGR student school of about 200 students. The Chemistry Department has over 60 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research. We specialise in the areas of organic synthesis, chemical biology, computational chemistry, nanotechnology, inorganic and materials chemistry, physical chemistry and chemical physics. The department has an annual research income of around £15 million, derived from many sources including the Research Councils (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC, and NERC), European Commission and a wide range of charities and industrial partners in the UK, Europe, and the USA.
As the Senior Research Administrator, you will play a central role in supporting and strengthening the department's research activity. Working closely with academic and professional services colleagues, you will oversee the administration of a diverse portfolio of research grants and contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with UCL policies, funder requirements and financial regulations. You will act as a trusted source of advice on research funding and post-award administration, helping to develop efficient processes that support high-quality research delivery. The role also includes monitoring research activity, producing management information and reports, maintaining accurate records for audit purposes, and identifying opportunities to enhance research administration and knowledge exchange processes. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced research administrator to make a significant contribution to the department's research strategy and operational success. You will also provide day-to-day line management and support to a Research Administrator, fostering their development and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality administrative service.
About you: You will be proactive in defining and maintaining high standards of service delivery for the department, ensuring compliance with the requirements of external funding bodies, UCL financial regulations, and internal and external audit requirements. You will lead the continuous development and enhancement of the department's research administration and knowledge exchange processes, while producing reports and management information on research activity to support the department's management committee.
Key Working relationships: Departmental Manager; Head of Department; Deputy Departmental Manager; Research Services; Director of Research; BEAMS Research Office; UCL Innovation & Enterprise; Faculty Research Coordinator.
What we offer: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. At UCL Chemistry we are dedicated to the Athena SWAN Charter for women in science, recognising the commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. The department was successfully awarded a Bronze Award in 2016 and Silver Award in 2020, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
Senior Research Administrator employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Administrator
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at UK Dementia Research Institute, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like UK Dementia Research Institute. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at UK Dementia Research Institute. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at UK Dementia Research Institute. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Dementia Research Institute
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at UK Dementia Research Institute. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at UK Dementia Research Institute to drive research projects forward.
