Research Programme Administrator

Department/Location: Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge 

Are you an experienced research project and events professional ready to play a key role in an award-winning, collaborative team? 

The Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge is delighted to be recruiting a Research Programme Administrator (RPA) to join our team. This vacancy has arisen following the promotion of the current postholder to a new role within the University, and we are excited to welcome their successor. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of INI's vibrant and internationally renowned programme of research events and residential research visits, supporting researchers from across the global mathematical sciences community. 

The Isaac Newton Institute and Newton Gateway run a busy and varied programme of activity, including residential research programmes of one, four or six months, week-long workshops and a programme of knowledge exchange, training and special events. Many events are held in our bespoke building in Cambridge, with others delivered at satellite locations across the UK and online. 

You will join a professional support team of around 25 staff who provide comprehensive administrative support for over 3,000 visitors each year, alongside end-to-end delivery of our research events programme. As a key member of the events team, you will take responsibility for a range of events, from planning in liaison with event convenors and colleagues across AV/IT, Accommodation, Finance and Communications, through to on-the-day event support, budget management and the reconciliation of finances in preparation for award reporting. 

What you'll be doing:

• Providing end-to-end support for INI/Gateway's programme of academic, research and knowledge exchange events, using the Institute's Event Management System (EMS)
• Planning, delivering and reporting on events, including venues, logistics, catering, AV support, invitations and delegate materials
• Acting as a point of contact for visiting researchers and event attendees, offering expert, solution-focused advice
• Managing event budgets in liaison with the Research Programme Manager and Finance team, including expenditure monitoring and reporting
• Maintaining event and programme content on the website, and supporting publicity and communications activity
• Providing wider administrative support, including managing shared mailboxes, organising meetings and preparing papers and minutes

What we're looking for:

• Previous administrative experience with a sound practical knowledge of events organisation and customer service delivery
• Experience of budget management and financial procedures and/or research project management
• Confident use of Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) and the ability to learn new systems such as an EMS
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work diplomatically and confidently with a wide range of people
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to multi-task, prioritise and meet tight deadlines
• A flexible, can-do approach and the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Educated to degree level / Level 6 vocational qualification, or equivalent practical experience
• Previous experience of working in a Higher Education environment with senior academics is desirable but not essential.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available until 28 February 2029 in the first instance. 

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

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lianne Sallows (institutecoordinator@newton.ac.uk), quoting LN50219 in any correspondence. 

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

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