The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
Organisation position and purpose
The role is embedded within the Research and Innovation Department, which is made up of a range of diverse, dynamic, responsive, and professional support and enabling teams.
The R&I Department provides dedicated, specialist support throughout the research and innovation ecosystem and lifecycle, helping to sustain, facilitate, enable, and advance Pirbright’s position and culture as a leading innovative centre for preventing and controlling viral diseases of livestock.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and organised individual to support the development of a robust knowledge exchange and business development function within the Institute. The post holder will provide administrative support for a variety of activities, including meeting and event planning, contracts and patent management, and record keeping.
The role will be crucial to developing and implementing the Institute’s processes to ensure compliance with the Nagoya Protocol and the Trusted Research agenda. Specifically, this position will be responsible for collecting and recording relevant information and providing supporting data to assure the Institute’s compliance.
You will report to the Knowledge Exchange Manager, and will collaborate closely with various internal teams, such as Grants Administration, Finance, and other administrators.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Responsible for knowledge exchange administration, which will include:
- Maintaining accurate records of research contracts and knowledge exchange activities on internal databases.
- Help to organise and co-ordinate information for internal and external reporting.
- Generating purchase orders and invoices.
- Collaborate with appropriate internal teams like Finance and Grants Administration to ensure effective communication and data accuracy.
Support event and meeting planning, which will include:
- Scheduling in person and online meetings with internal and external parties.
- Supporting external attendees to meetings and events for instance arranging travel and accommodation.
- Organising meeting or event logistics, such as room bookings, catering, IT support.
- Provide secretariat support for some meetings.
Support the Institute’s research due diligence activities, which will include:
- Helping to gather information from external partners to evidence compliance with legal and funding requirements.
- Keeping complete and accurate records of information related to the Nagoya Protocol and Trusted Research due diligence activities.
- Helping to provide data to support reporting and assurance.
- Assisting in updating and monitoring the use of ResearchFish.
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.
Personal Specification
You will need to be highly organised, have a keen attention to detail, and have an ability to prioritise a diverse workload with competing demands, you will therefore need excellent time management skills. In order to be successful in the role you will need excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and be able to communicate with a range of individuals, both internal and external, at all levels and across disciplines.
Previous experience in a similar role, or in a similar environment would be an advantage.
Essential/Desirable requirements
Essential
- 5 GCSE’s (including maths and English language).
- Appropriate experience of administrative/ secretarial duties.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Proficient IT skills in particular Microsoft packages including (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently
Desirable
- Experience of database management systems.
- Minute taking skills.
- Experience in the public sector.
- Experience with due diligence or Trusted Research and Innovation.
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
- Cycle to work
- Subsidised employee restaurant
- Childcare allowance
- Free onsite parking
- Electric car charging facilities
Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.