Secretary/Administrator to Director of the Melville

We are looking for an enthusiastic and hands on PA to support the Director and research groups in the Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis. This is an exciting opportunity to take on a challenging and varied role that is pivotal to the success of the Director and running of a large multigroup laboratory.

The successful applicant will have strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills and will demonstrate a high level of accuracy, attention to detail and flexibility. The role holder will be highly organised, able to prioritise and manage their own workload, sometimes against competing deadlines and conflicting priorities, and possess a high level of patience, tact, discretion, and confidentiality. They will need to quickly develop a global awareness of ongoing matters and members of the Melville laboratory on a short, medium and long term basis. It is essential that the role holder can work both independently, acting on their own initiative, as well as being part of a small support team within a fast-paced environment. An aptitude for team working, excellent communication and a willingness to learn is crucial.

Core duties will include: daily inbox management for the Director including reading and responding to emails; proof reading; diary management; greeting visitors and group members; coordination of schedules; organising visits, seminars and lectures; arranging meetings and managing communications both internally and externally with international participants; minute taking; implementing existing organisational procedures; managing charges for equipment usage; and liaising with members of the Department, University and external organisations. In addition, some support with arranging travel and accommodation, recruitment and financial management will be required.

Ideally educated to A level standard or equivalent, the successful candidate will possess excellent IT skills including extensive knowledge of iOS software, website maintenance and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint). A familiarity with online platforms Microsoft Teams and Zoom, as well as file sharing platforms such as Dropbox, is also essential. Occasional use of other software may be required.

Previous experience of working for senior academics in a higher education environment would be an advantage.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For informal queries please contact Kathleen Pickett on [email protected]

Please quote reference MA39830 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
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