Home Jobs Project Administrator
Back to Jobs

Project Administrator - Job Opportunity at University College London

London, United Kingdom
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 19, 2025
Hybrid
GBP 35,930 - 41,255 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 41-day holiday package providing exceptional work-life balance with 27 annual leave days, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days
Flexible annual leave purchase scheme allowing up to 5 additional days for personalized time-off management
Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) providing superior retirement security compared to standard workplace pensions
Cycle to work and season ticket loan schemes supporting sustainable commuting and reducing transportation costs
Immigration loan assistance demonstrating commitment to international talent acquisition
Relocation support package for eligible positions facilitating career mobility
On-site nursery and gym facilities providing convenience and cost savings for employees
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay exceeding statutory requirements
Comprehensive employee assistance programme through Staff Support Service
Discounted medical insurance offering additional healthcare security

Key Responsibilities

Provide high-level executive support to Professor Franca Fraternali, managing complex diary coordination and travel arrangements that directly impact research productivity and international collaboration
Drive coordination of activities across the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, serving as a critical liaison between academic staff, research teams, and divisional professional services
Execute strategic administrative functions that support cutting-edge research in structural and molecular biology, contributing to UCL's world-leading position in biological sciences
Facilitate seamless communication and workflow management between the Head of Research Department and diverse stakeholder groups, ensuring operational excellence in a Nobel Laureate-associated faculty
Maintain accurate records and documentation systems that support research compliance and institutional reporting requirements
Coordinate meetings and stakeholder engagement activities that advance the institute's research objectives and collaborative partnerships

Requirements

Education

Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience

Experience

Strong track record of working in high-performing teams within busy environments

Required Skills

Highly organised and methodical approach Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills Experience managing meetings and engaging diverse stakeholders Maintaining accurate records Proficient in Microsoft Office Quick to learn new systems Detail-oriented and deadline-driven Able to prioritise effectively Collaborative team player Adaptable and proactive Experience in international or higher education settings is desirable

Certifications

Acceptable DBS check required
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Higher education institutions are increasingly investing in specialized administrative support for research-intensive departments as competition for research funding intensifies and compliance requirements become more complex. This trend reflects the recognition that high-quality administrative support directly impacts research productivity and institutional rankings. The integration of administrative roles with research operations is becoming more sophisticated, with administrators expected to understand research workflows and contribute to strategic coordination rather than merely providing clerical support. This evolution is particularly pronounced in world-leading institutions like UCL. Hybrid working arrangements in academic institutions have become standard post-pandemic, with universities recognizing the need to balance on-site collaboration requirements with flexible working options to attract and retain talent in competitive administrative markets.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £35,930-£41,255 is competitive for mid-level administrative roles in London's higher education sector, particularly considering the comprehensive benefits package. This represents approximately 15-20% above standard administrative salaries when factoring in the exceptional holiday allowance, pension scheme, and on-site facilities.

Role Significance

The role operates within a complex matrix structure, likely coordinating with 15-25 academic and research staff regularly, while interfacing with broader faculty and divisional teams of 500+ staff members across the Division of Biosciences.
This is a mid-level administrative position with significant autonomy and strategic importance, evidenced by the direct reporting relationship to a professor and coordination responsibilities across multiple departments. The role combines executive support functions with institutional coordination, placing it above standard administrative positions.

Key Projects

Coordination of international research collaborations and visiting scholar arrangements Support for grant application processes and research funding administration Management of academic conference organization and symposium coordination Facilitation of cross-departmental research initiatives and partnership development

Success Factors

Deep understanding of academic research environments and the unique operational requirements of world-class scientific institutions, including familiarity with research funding cycles, academic calendar constraints, and international collaboration protocols. Exceptional relationship management skills to effectively interface with diverse stakeholders ranging from Nobel Laureate-level academics to international research partners, requiring cultural sensitivity and professional gravitas. Proactive problem-solving abilities and anticipatory thinking to identify potential operational challenges before they impact research activities, demonstrating value-add beyond reactive administrative support. Adaptability to rapidly changing research priorities and funding landscapes, with the flexibility to reprioritize tasks based on emerging opportunities or urgent requirements in the dynamic academic environment.

Market Demand

Moderate to high demand for specialized research administration roles in London's prestigious universities, driven by increased research funding competition and the need for sophisticated operational support in world-class research environments.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Stakeholder management and diplomatic communication skills are essential given the need to coordinate between high-profile academics, international collaborators, and institutional leadership. The ability to communicate effectively across cultural and hierarchical boundaries directly impacts research productivity and relationship maintenance. Organizational and project coordination capabilities are fundamental to success, as research environments involve multiple concurrent projects, competing deadlines, and complex resource allocation decisions. Strong organizational skills ensure that critical research activities proceed smoothly without administrative bottlenecks. Adaptability and learning agility are crucial in the rapidly evolving research landscape, where new technologies, funding requirements, and regulatory changes require continuous adaptation of administrative processes and systems.

Beneficial Skills

Understanding of research methodologies and scientific terminology would enhance effectiveness in supporting research activities and communicating with academic staff, though not strictly required for the role. Experience with research funding processes and grant administration would provide valuable context for supporting funding applications and compliance requirements that are central to research operations. International experience or cultural competency would be advantageous given UCL's global research collaborations and diverse academic community, enhancing the ability to support international partnerships and visiting researcher programs.

Unique Aspects

Direct collaboration with world-renowned researchers in structural and molecular biology, providing exposure to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and international research networks that few administrative roles can offer.
Integration with one of the world's most prestigious research environments, where daily work contributes to scientific breakthroughs and knowledge advancement that impacts global health and biological understanding.
Access to exceptional professional development opportunities within UCL's vast network of research centers, institutes, and international partnerships, creating unique career advancement possibilities.
Involvement in research activities that attract significant funding from major organizations like the Wellcome Trust, NIH, and European Research Council, providing insight into high-level research strategy and operations.

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 2-4 years for high-performing individuals in prestigious institutions like UCL, with opportunities accelerated by the institution's growth and the increasing complexity of research administration.

Potential Next Roles

Research Operations Manager overseeing multiple research groups and administrative staff Faculty Administrative Manager with broader institutional responsibilities Research Development Coordinator focusing on funding strategy and partnership development Executive Assistant to senior university leadership or research directors

Company Overview

University College London

University College London represents one of the world's premier research universities, consistently ranked among the top 10 globally with particular strength in life sciences and medical research. The institution's association with 11 Nobel Laureates in the Faculty of Life Sciences alone demonstrates its exceptional academic caliber and research impact.

UCL occupies a leading position in the global higher education market, competing directly with Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London domestically, while maintaining strong international recognition alongside Harvard, MIT, and other world-class institutions.
As part of the University of London system and located in Bloomsbury, UCL holds a central position in London's academic and research ecosystem, with strong connections to government, industry, and international research networks that enhance career opportunities for staff.
UCL fosters a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that values diversity, innovation, and academic excellence. The institution's commitment to equality and inclusion, evidenced by Athena SWAN recognition, creates a supportive workplace culture that encourages professional development and cross-cultural collaboration.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.