Administrative Assistant – Aquatic Research Facility

at  University of Derby

JOB DETAILS

College
College of Science and Engineering
Responsible to
Professor of Molecular Ecology
Location
Kedleston Road, Derby Campus
Salary
£22,011 to £22,021 per annum pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £25,088 per annum, pro rata)
Closing date
Sunday 14 July 2024
Contract type
Fixed term contract 20 months
Post type
Part-time
Adaptive working type
Onsite
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.
Reference
0198-24

QUALIFICATIONS

• GCSE Maths and English, or equivalent

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working with large dynamic groups
• Experience of working in an administration or personal assistance role
• Experience of using Microsoft Office including Teams

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Highly organized and able to organize others
• Excellent time management and prioritising skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to deal with people at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle varying expectations but set clear boundaries.
• Work well independently and/or as part of a team

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness and ability to be flexible with working hours

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Administrative Assistant you will support the University of Derby’s Aquatic Research Facility, undertaking general administrative duties to ensure the smooth operation of the facility and provide support to the research team. The Aquatic Research Facility specialises in dedicated research into animal behaviour, welfare, and understanding/treating disease. We currently house systems with tropical stony corals and seagrass (both tropical and temperate species). In this facility we offer our students (undergraduate and postgraduates) a unique opportunity to participate in internationally relevant/recognised research and work with world leaders in the field of aquarium research and coral/seagrass biology. Projects currently underway include the design and application of probiotics aimed at improving coral larval settlement, the use of root growth promoting microbes to make seagrass more climate ready, the impact of various stressors on corals, and development of methods/tools that we can utilise to aid/improve coral restoration.
You will work as a key member of the team, demonstrating a high level of customer service to internal and external stakeholders by handling and responding to varying lines of correspondence associated with the Aquatic Research Facility; including phone calls, and emails, ensuring responses are timely, and information/enquiries are cascaded to the appropriate people.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Work as a key member of the team, demonstrating a high level of customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Work to capture data associated with the amount of impact our work carries both nationally and internationally.
• Handle and respond to varying lines of correspondence associated with the Aquatic Research Facility; including phone calls, and emails, ensuring responses are timely, and information/enquiries are cascaded to the appropriate people.
• Schedule appointments and organise diary entries for the research group.
• Set reminders for meetings, appointments and other important tasks
• Make travel and hotel arrangements and creating clear and practical travel schedules.
• Plan and organise conferences, workshops, seminars, and other events for the Nature-based Solutions Research Centre, including booking venues, equipment and catering, liaising with guest speakers and sending out invitations.
• Undertake administration of meetings; coordinating diaries, preparing agendas, taking minutes, recording actions and subsequently distributing to all participants.
• Liaise with other members of staff and external parties, such as funding organisations and press.
• Prepare expense reports and maintain a filing system.