Coordinator & Events Manager for the Engineering Biology IRC (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Location: Central Cambridge

We are seeking a enthusiastic and personable candidate for the role of Events and Communications Assistant for the Engineering Biology Interdisciplinary Research Centre. The purpose of this role is to organise, manage and deliver activities for the IRC. Working closely with the IRC co-Chairs, members of the Steering Group and others, the post-holder will work to implement the IRC's vision: 

• To bring people together, from across the University and beyond.
• To showcase the wide range of related activities happening within the community.
• To support an interdisciplinary approach to engineering biology research.

To consolidate the University of Cambridge as a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence in engineering biology.

Developing and managing relationships with stakeholders within and outside the University is an important aspect of the role, combined with actively communicating and promoting IRC activities.

The EngBio IRC (https://engbio.cam.ac.uk) aims to catalyse interdisciplinary exchange between engineering, physics, biology and social sciences to advance synthetic and engineering biology at the University of Cambridge. Based in the Department of Biochemistry, the role holder will work closely with the IRC co-chairs and the IRC's two part-time events and communications assistants.

The Coordinator will play a crucial role in creating a hub for interdisciplinary exchange between the physical sciences, engineering and the life sciences, that will underpin advances in engineering biology. The coordinator will promote efforts to facilitate the exchange of novel foundational technologies and applications, build shared resources and provide a point of exchange. Responsibilities also include managing funding competitions, organising formal and informal scientific meetings and forums, and developing and managing relationships with stakeholders within and external to the university. The role-holder will also be responsible for line-managing the IRC's Events and Communications Assistant and Communications Assistant and ensuring that engineering biology activities in Cambridge are actively communicated and promoted.

The successful candidate will have previous experience working within a higher education, industry, or government environment, as well as project management experience and the ability to nurture and foster relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders. A background in biological sciences will be advantageous, as well as the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available from 1st January 2026, until 30th July 2027, in the first instance. This position is part-time, working roughly 29.6 hours per week (80% FTE).

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Laura Machesky via lmm202@cam.ac.uk.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Biochemistry HR Team via: personnel@bioc.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PH47953 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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.

Advert information