Astronomy Project Administrator at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Nov, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Team Working Skills, Digital Skills, Organizational Skills, Attention To Detail, Problem Solving, Advisory Skills, Time Management

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page. The Role and the Department The Astronomy research group, based within the Department of Physics, are seeking to appoint a self-motivated and experienced administrator to support the daily operations and the effective and efficient running of the research section. This part-time fixed-term post offers the successful applicant an opportunity to be part of one of Durham University’s leading research groups. The post holder will be a committed, enthusiastic professional who relates well to people at all levels. They will be expected to demonstrate a high level of initiative and be confident in dealing with diverse groups, including visiting researchers and research groups across the University. They will work as part of, and support other members of, the astronomy administration team. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to deliver effective administrative support and guidance to the Astronomy research group staff, students and its stakeholders. Working closely with senior staff and colleagues, they will take responsibility for the fundamental and general Astronomy research group administrative services, organising travel, events and research activities. The role will also provide opportunities for the post holder to contribute to the development of new promotional materials and communication tools for the Astronomy group e.g. website and social media content. The Astronomy Project Administrator will act as the first point of contact for enquiries and managing a wide range of internal and external enquiries from staff, partners and other stakeholders via email, telephone and face-to-face contact, taking an active decision-making role and using judgement on a day-to-day basis when providing advice, support and information. The postholder will be expected to provide support to other members of the Astronomy Senior Management Team and, on occasion, the wider Physics Department. This role is an excellent opportunity for an administrator seeking to develop their experience and knowledge and applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals looking to embrace a new challenge. The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and/or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision. This is a part-time position (20 hours per week - hours are flexible but preferably cover the core period of 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday) offered on a fixed-term basis for 18 months. Extension beyond this period would be subject to the availability of external funding and a review of Astronomy administrative support needs. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16. Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community. Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. We offer generous pension schemes. Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here. Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. What you need to demonstrate when you apply To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we’re looking for: Qualifications/Experience 1. Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or equivalent experience. 2. Experience of working in a busy office environment delivering front line administrative services or having relevant qualifications for the role. 3. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality. Skills/Abilities/Knowledge 4. Good spoken and written communication skills. 5. Good interpersonal and team working skills. 6. Good digital skills including experience in using digital devices and apps including email, digital communication and meeting tools, Microsoft 365 applications (particularly Excel and Word), SharePoint etc. 7. Ability to organise and prioritise workload. 8. Attention to detail. 9. Ability to solve problems and resolve straightforward issues yourself and as part of a team. 10.Ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of colleagues and customers. 11. Committed to continuing professional development. Desirable Criteria 12. Experience of providing administrative support in a Higher Education environment. How to apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails What you are required to submit: • A CV • A covering letter which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Claire Davies (Department Manager) would be happy to speak to you. - physics.manager@durham.ac.uk Typical Role Requirements Here are the kind of activities that you’ll be asked to undertake and ways in which you’ll be expected to operate. Service Delivery Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values. Provide an excellent and timely service to staff, students, colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role. Use your experience and problem-solving skills to resolve routine issues with things relevant to your role such as event organisation and provide information and updates to help your team find solutions. Collect, organise and record data and information accurately and provide reports as required. Promote positive wellbeing arrangements which benefit you and your team. When carrying out your role, use and apply relevant professional and regulatory standards (e.g. data protection) when managing data. Use standard office-based devices and applications such as Teams, MS Word, Excel and SharePoint to deliver services. Update guidance on standard operating procedures followed by the team. Arrange meetings, events, venues and travel arrangements to support service delivery. Teamwork Resolve queries and respond to requests for information and advice and bring any complex issues to the attention of more experienced team members. Help your team organise and provide administrative services that support key activities (e.g. workshops and summer schools) undertaken within your service and contribute to team planning activities. Help your team ensure that products and services are adapted in response to feedback and to meet changing demands. Communication/Liaison Seek feedback from students, staff and anyone else that you come across as part of your role on their requirements from your service to ensure that their reasonable expectations are being met. Record information and respond to queries which you receive. Act as first point of contact for queries, and forward as appropriate. Liaise with administrative colleagues in other areas of the Physics Department to ensure that services are being delivered in an efficient and collaborative way. Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan the delivery of services and events. Provide support for meetings and working groups. • Any other reasonable duties. Useful links If you would like further information you may find the following will help: Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy Durham University Department of Physics - Durham University Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Responsibilities

The Astronomy Project Administrator will support the daily operations of the Astronomy research group, organizing travel, events, and research activities. They will act as the first point of contact for enquiries and manage a wide range of internal and external communications.