Operations Officer (Research) Save

Are you a highly organised and proactive administrative professional with a passion for supporting innovative research? The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield is seeking an Operations Officer to provide essential administrative support to our academic staff, facilitating the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of funded research projects. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the research lifecycle, from the start of the project to completion and dissemination. You’ll work closely with Principal Investigators and Professional Services teams, ensuring projects are run optimally and promoted widely.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll provide high-quality administrative service to academic staff, guiding them through the complexities of externally funded research in line with University and funder guidelines. This involves acting as a key interface between PIs and Professional Services teams, including Research, Partnerships and Innovation (RPI), Faculty Research Hubs, Faculty Marketing & Communications, and Faculty Finance. You’ll also be responsible for planning and coordinating recruitment and contract amendments, as well as supporting procurement processes. Maintaining meticulous records, assisting with the preparation of progress reports and audit documentation, and ensuring adherence to information management policies are also key parts of the role. You’ll organise and support research meetings and events, and coordinate with Marketing and Communications to promote research outputs. You’ll offer advice, implement innovative processes to the grant management, and proactively identify potential risks or issues that may impact project delivery.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a highly motivated individual with outstanding organisational and communication skills. Your strength lies in effectively managing multiple projects and ensuring attention to detail. Ideal candidates will possess a degree or equivalent education and have worked in a professional administrative capacity, preferably in a Higher Education or similar setting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial, with the ability to explain complex information clearly to staff at all levels. A good understanding of key funder guidelines (e.g., UKRI, EU) is also required, along with a creative and flexible approach to problem-solving. We’re looking for someone with experience in high-quality administrative and business support who can provide evidence of implementing service improvements.

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