Operations Administrator (Research) in Stirling

This role will be based within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and will support the Asian Fish Welfare Network Project. The Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling has been awarded funding through Open Philanthropy to develop an Asian Fish Welfare Network (AFWN) which supports research, training and communication activities that build capacity at individual and institutional levels towards improved fish welfare practices throughout the aquaculture value chain in Asia. This three-year project builds on similar prior funding for the project "Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia" (2022-25), which focused on activities in Thailand and Vietnam. The new AFWN project will continue in the current countries and expand into Indonesia.

Responsible for managing the administrative support of the Asian Fish Welfare Network project, you will be expected to digest, organise and interpret complex information quickly and accurately to support the delivery of the project. A highly organised and flexible approach along with excellent communication and time management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously is essential.

Description of Duties

• Provide programme administrative support to the project team, including monitoring progress to plans, and providing and coordinating relevant information for key reports, papers, and presentations to help ensure key deadlines are met.
• Ensure that all data is captured in a timely and accurate manner and available in the appropriate governance.
• Coordinate and have responsibility for documentation and maintenance of any programme funds.
• Undertake analysis of funding, terms and conditions, and deadlines and provide regular updates to the Programme Manager to support the project.
• Coordination of meetings and provide secretariat support to the meetings by preparing draft agendas, collating or drafting supporting papers, preparing minutes and capturing/monitoring actions.
• Support the project team with key work activities, prioritising your workload to ensure urgent issues are dealt with in a timely fashion.
• In collaboration with the project team, prepare and maintain a detailed set of project plans, aligned to the governance, monitoring and evaluation outlines.
• Monitor budgets, manage quarter and year end processes, produce forecasts and projections; manage day-to-day operations of post award research, as required.

Faculty and University Wide Activities

• Lead and participate in specific projects on behalf of professional services colleagues.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to personal development and undertake development in skill areas related to the post.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities, commensurate with the grade of the post, as directed by line manager.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to HNC level or equivalent (where no formal qualifications are held, additional relevant experience is required).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, resilience and ability to prioritise a demanding workload in a pressurised environment, while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• High standard of literacy with the ability to draft correspondence: Accuracy and an eye for detail.
• Ability to manage and monitor a variety of tasks at the same time, work pro-actively and to organise and prioritise their own work and that of others.
• Ability to work as part of a team to achieve goals while also being capable of independent working and using individual initiative.
• Resilient with the ability to work under pressures and tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and resolve issues and problems effectively and independently, seeking advice where appropriate to ensure buy-in to the proposal or outcome.
• Ability to foster good relationships, using tact and diplomacy when required.
• Excellent skills in a variety of office IT systems, including the full use of the Microsoft Office Suite, and experience of accounting systems, such as spreadsheets.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a research-led and/or business-focused environment within higher education.
• Ability to analyse data and provide reports.

Additional Information

• Part time (50% FTE).
• Fixed term until 31 July 2028.
• Grade 5: £26,707 - £29,588 p.a. pro-rata.
• The closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 02 December 2025.
• There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
• This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.