Project Manager

Queen’s University Belfast is seeking a motivated, proactive, and well-organised Project Manager with a strong interest in sustainability and international research to support the delivery of the RUMEN Gateway, a flagship international research initiative led by Queen’s. This multidisciplinary initiative advances fundamental knowledge of the rumen’s uncultured microbial diversity and its role in fermentation processes through the isolation and characterisation of previously uncultured microorganisms.

A central component of the RUMEN Gateway is the creation of the world’s most comprehensive open-access microbial biobank of rumen microorganisms, designed to serve as a critical and enduring global resource. The Project Manager will play a central and strategic role in ensuring the smooth, timely, and compliant execution of this complex, fast-paced, and high-impact programme. Based at Queen’s, the post holder will work closely with the Principal Investigator and Lead Scientist to support the coordination of the global consortium and its collaborative activities.

The Project Manager will act as a key liaison between scientific and administrative teams, technical providers, and external partners. The post demands both strategic insight and hands-on initiative, with the ability to manage complexity, foster collaboration, and ensure alignment with institutional, funder, and regulatory frameworks.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a globally significant research programme positioned at the intersection of science, sustainability, policy, and innovation. The role offers extensive professional development through active involvement in international coordination, high-level governance, and delivery of a pioneering environmental project.

About the person:

The essential qualifications and experience for the post are:

• University degree in a relevant Science field (e.g animal science, microbiology, biological sciences, or related life sciences) OR Project Management.

Relevant experience including:

• Managing significant resources (human, physical, financial)
• Operational planning and project management
• Providing senior executive support
• Developing high-quality digital content
• Organising complex events or international workshops
• Familiarity with international research collaboration and funding frameworks
• Experience in higher education or research-intensive environments
• Experience in microbiology, livestock systems, or sustainability-related projects

Please refer to the Candidate Information document for the full list of essential and desirable criteria for the post.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

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