AHSS REF Support Administrator (Fixed Term) x 2

The Opportunity

The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic workplace that enables our people to thrive.

As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, the role of AHSS REF Support Administrator [two posts] offers an exceptional opportunity to support submissions from Units of Assessment (UoA) across two of the University's six Schools - the School of Arts and Humanities and the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS). 

With experience of supporting researchers in scholarly publishing processes, knowledge of REF and the systems used to support the collection of data for the REF exercise, the role will focus on facilitating researchers' publication records (in particular their Elements profiles) and ensuring Open Access compliance, supporting the Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) component of submissions. You will work closely with library colleagues and the Open Access team to provide detailed advice and support. Led by the AHSS REF Lead (AHSS Research Strategy Manager) with support from (and reporting to) the AHSS Senior REF UoA Administrator, you will work as part of a joint-School AHSS REF Administration Team to provide administrative support across over 20 departments and 1000+ researchers. 

About You

You will excel at prioritising work across multiple UoAs, adapting to emerging challenges and accurately processing data. You will be equally comfortable working independently and as part of collaborative teams.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to advance their career in higher education administration. 

Essential Experience and Skills 

Experience of supporting researchers in the scholarly publishing process; understanding the academic environment and research culture in higher education or equivalent; knowledge of the REF and systems used to collect REF data e.g. Elements; ability to gather and process information and generate accurate data; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage workload and work effectively and flexibly both independently and in a team.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to join a team contributing to the success of a leading academic institution, working at the heart of vibrant and intellectually stimulating Schools.

If you have a strong commitment to the academic mission of the University and to the development of a collaborative and delivery-focused team, we would like to hear from you.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2028 in the first instance. 

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 1 March 2026, with interviews planned for the week of 16 March 2026.

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

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Andrea Salter, AHSS Research Strategy Manager, Email: Andrea.Salter@admin.cam.ac.uk 

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Karin Kuchta, HR Coordinator, Email: acdhr@admin.cam.ac.uk 

Please quote reference AK48761 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