At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social science initiatives by managing programmes and coordinating events.
- Company: Join the Economic and Social Research Council, a leader in data research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, flexible working, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social challenges through data-driven research.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in meeting support required.
The predicted salary is between 30895 - 30895 £ per year.
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Job Category: Research Programme and Funding Management
Job Identification: 2434
Posting Date: 26 June 2026
Job Shift: Day
Salary: £30,895 per annum
Band: UKRI Band C
Hours: Full‑time (or 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (until March 2029 or February 2027)
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire – Hybrid working available
Closing Date: 13 July 2026
About the role
ESRC is a major funder of the creation, collection and sharing of high‑quality data that researchers, policymakers and practitioners use to address social challenges, increase public benefit and advance the UK’s reputation as a world leader in social science. An ESRC Portfolio Officer plays a crucial role in the delivery of their team’s objectives, particularly in relation to the management and development of key programmes, investments and partnerships. As this role will involve interaction with grant holders and partners, as well as attendance at events and conferences, the role may involve travel, including overnight stays.
The Data Strategy and Infrastructure team carries out the development, commissioning and investment management for our data collections (such as Understanding Society and the birth cohort studies) and data services (including the UK Data Service). We provide strategic direction for investments and facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange through engagement with the investment teams and other partners. We are also responsible for the monitoring and assurance of the investments to ensure that the data collections are of high quality and meet the needs of the social science research community, and to ensure that the data services and facilities enable safe and ethical use of data in research and innovation.
Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) is the UK’s national programme for smart data research, with a mission to unlock the power of data to improve lives. At the heart of the programme are six data services – teams of experts from research institutes across the country. The data services build partnerships with data owners and provide secure access to data for researchers. Coordination and leadership are provided by a Strategic Hub team, based at the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
Your responsibilities
- Play an active role in team activities to support the delivery of the ESRC’s vision for social science and data infrastructure.
- Operate effectively within a matrix management environment on one or more assignments with flexibility and resilience to respond to the changing demands of a fast‑paced environment.
- Support programmes of work with attention to detail in the creation and maintenance of a range of programme documentation.
- Provide meeting servicing and support to organise and administer a range of meetings, workshops and events.
- Manage meeting creation, collation and distribution of agendas and papers, attend meetings, take notes/minutes and record actions.
- Assist with the development of information and promotional materials, both online and in print, for audience groups.
- Support the organisation of a series of online and offline events to build awareness about our work, services and impact.
- Coordinate and support a range of administrative functions including the team mailbox, team days, workshops, events and other operational activities.
Personal Specification
- Planning and organisational skills, including the ability to effectively prioritise and manage complex activities.
- Good communication skills, including the ability to use appropriate styles and methods to maximise impact and understanding.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to achieve progress in objective delivery, escalating where necessary.
- Analytical skills with the ability to evaluate, report and act on complex information of various forms, including numerical data.
- Experience of meeting support, such as creating agendas, minute taking and sending invitations.
- Good general PC skills, including a good working knowledge of MS Office packages and document management systems such as MS Teams.
- A degree or equivalent experience or experience of working in an equivalent environment or role.
Benefits
- 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and holiday days (full‑time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
Portfolio Officer in Swindon employer: UKRI
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Polaris House in Swindon, where hybrid working options promote a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to employee development, ESRC provides ample opportunities for growth within the research sector, alongside generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and an employee assistance programme. Join us in making a meaningful impact on social science and data infrastructure while enjoying a supportive and collaborative culture.
