Personal Assistant to Director of Research and Innovation (Fixed Term)

About the role

Step into the heart of innovation and make a real impact.

We’re offering a rare opportunity to join the Research and Innovation Directorate as Personal Assistant to the Director of Research and Innovation Operations - a pivotal role at the centre of strategic transformation.

In this fast-paced, high-profile position, you’ll be the trusted right hand to a senior leader, ensuring their focus stays on shaping the future of research and innovation. You’ll orchestrate complex schedules, lead seamless coordination of meetings and travel, and manage sensitive communications with professionalism and confidentiality.

But this is far more than diary management - you’ll be a key connector across the Directorate, the wider University, and external partners, driving clarity, efficient flow of information, and collaboration. You’ll contribute to cross-functional projects, support internal communications, and play a strategic role in supporting briefings and insights, informing decision-making at the highest level.

If you’re a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic environment, loves enabling leadership success, and wants to be part of something bigger - this is your moment.

Join us. Shape the future. Be the difference.

About the teamYou’ll be joining the collaborative and proactive Business Support Team, based at Jubilee Campus. We deliver high-quality multi-disciplinary administrative services and executive support across Research and Innovation, helping drive strategic priorities and operational improvements. 

Key Stakeholders

Service Operations ManagerR&I SLT and TeamsR&I DirectorsR&I Administrators & PAs

About youWe’re looking for someone with:

Excellent planning and organisational skillsStrong written and verbal communication abilitiesProficiency in Microsoft Office and O365Experience in a similar PA roleAbility to manage a varied workload and work independently

What we offer 

A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment A hybrid working arrangement with a blend of home and office working each week Generous holiday entitlement of 27 days (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days, including closure between Christmas and New Year Commitment to staff development through training, support, and career progression opportunities Access to a wide range of benefits including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes, and more.

This post is full time, fixed term until 31st December 2026. 

If you have any queries in relation to the post, please contact Claire Whiteside, Service Operations Manager at [email protected]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 05 Jan 2026 Category: Administrative, Professional and Managerial (APM)