Research Project Coordinator (CMP & QLM)

  
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

The Role and the Department

The Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) and Quantum Light and Matter (QLM) research sections, within the Department of Physics,  are seeking to appoint a self-motivated and experienced Project Coordinator to support the daily operations and the effective and efficient running of their research.  This post offers the successful applicant an opportunity to be part of Durham University's leading research sections. The postholder 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, Head of Faculties, Department and Colleges, and research groups across the University.  The postholder will be expected to work flexibly to deliver effective administrative support and guidance to the CMP and QLM staff and stakeholders.  Working closely with senior staff and colleagues, they will take responsibility for the fundamental and general CMP and QLM administrative services, as well as assisting with data gathering for funding and project applications, organising events and research activities and creating and maintaining financial and publishing records.  This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to develop their experience and knowledge at both strategic and operational levels, and applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals looking to embrace a new challenge.

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the very best UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.  The Department of Physics is committed to embracing equality and 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. 

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 and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
•  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. 

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

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/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterix* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.  

Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria   
   
1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.   
2.    Strong digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, digital booking system, project planning. 
3.    Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent experience).    
4.    Evidence of personal development to maintain skills.   
5.    Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.   
6.    Relevant administrative experience in a busy office environment.    
7.    Demonstrable ability to proactively work with team members to ensure the delivery of high quality services.   
8.    Demonstrable ability to provide advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.   
9.    Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.  
10.    Ability to solve problems as part of a team and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions.   
11.    Ability to effectively network and exchange advice and information for development purposes.     

Desirable Criteria

1. Knowledge of the Oracle Financials system.

2. Experience of working with academic researchers.

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 supporting statement 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, Linda Wilkinson would be happy to speak to you. Please email: [email protected] or telephone 0191 3743671.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

•    Resolve queries and requests for information and advice and escalate more specialist and complex queries or issues to more experienced team members. 
•    Respond to stakeholder needs to deliver and shape an excellent stakeholder experience. 
•    Deliver support services to ensure the effective and efficient running of business processes and systems for all CMP and QLM colleagues;
•    Monitoring and evaluating budgets; responsible for the financial management of the CMP and QLM non-staff departmental budget (income and expenditure) and postgraduate student research training support grants; responsible for the financial management of associated CMP and QLM service delivery to ensure compliance with regulatory and professional procedures and standards. 

• Provide support to the CMP and QLM student community; advise on University processes and ensure all student activities are undertaken in accordance with funder guidelines and University requirements.
• Assist with the administration regarding recruitment, probation and contract extensions of externally funded staff, working in conjunction with the Research Manager and colleagues in Human Resources.

•    Monitor data accuracy checks to identify anomalies and ensure the integrity of data and information. 
•    Update data and information on systems and media for recording, storing, communicating and informing service users, team members and colleagues. 
•    Analyse data and statistics and provide reports for the senior CMP and QLM decision making teams.  
•    Accurately record information and data (including minutes of meetings) and disseminate within internal networks including committees; initiating and following up on actions as appropriate.
•    Prepare written reports for consideration by management where required.
•    A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

• Any other reasonable duties.

Planning and Organising

•    Plan and organise own workload with or without involvement with project work streams. 
•    Organise and schedule resources, activities and events including managing the organisation or programme meetings, annual reviews, workshops and outreach events; including liaising with internal and external speakers, visitors and other associated stakeholders. 
•    Identify priorities and monitor processes and activities to ensure success. 
•    Analyse work activities to ensure the effective and efficient use of capital and consumable equipment and resources. 

Teamwork

•    Act as more knowledgeable team member without responsibility for team members. 
•    Collaborate with team members to implement service alterations. 
•    Support the capture of business requirements from users and work with colleagues to translate these into recommendations for future service provision. 
•    Provide training to team members on data handling and recording. 

• Support with reception cover.

Communication/Networking

•    Collaborate with colleagues across professional and administrative areas to ensure seamless service provision. 
•    Contribute to collaborative decision making within the team with service provision to deliver an excellent stakeholder experience in accordance with policy and procedures.  
•    Work collaboratively across the organisation and/or externally with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver a service. 
•    Provide guidance and advice to resolve problems and queries for a broad range of service users. 
•    Provide demonstrations and instruction to others outside the team. 
•    Liaise with contacts and participate in networks and communities internally and possibly externally, contributing to effective collaborative working. 
•    Advise others and make recommendations into work processes and procedures for consideration by senior management to improve services. 
•    Work with internal and external partners to deliver cross-functional administrative, business and financial work streams. 
•    Work with internal and external partners to deliver cross-functional services and activities. 

Knowledge and Experience
 
•    Apply theory and practice, from academic and professional development and previous knowledge within a service team. 
•    Provide more in-depth independent research and analysis activities within the role. 
•    Contribute to the development and implementation of policy and procedures within own area of working.  

Specific Role Requirements 

• The postholder may on occasion be required to be available on weekends to provide conference support.

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 https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.  

SECONDMENT 

The post is full time, fixed term for a two year period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager. 

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