Executive Assistant to Director, Particle Physics

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Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £34,905 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support teams explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

We have an exciting opportunity available to work in the Particle Physics department (PPD) supporting the Director and leadership team as well as interfacing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. This is a multifaceted role that requires a pro-active, professional, and motivated individual.

As part of the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC), PPD undertakes and funds world-leading research and development, and data analysis, in particle physics. We are one of the major collaborators at CERN and support UK researchers working on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) detectors as well as neutrino and dark matter experiments. Our work includes construction of large detector systems, computing, and data analysis, we are responsible for the Boulby Underground Lab, which is one of just a few facilities in the world suitable for hosting ultra-low background and deep underground science projects. We also run outreach events for schools and the public, including the annual STFC Summer School for Experimental High Energy Physics Students.

You will work very closely with the Director of PPD who a particle physicist and the senior team and are expected to work collaboratively with the assistants of other National Labs Directors.

Ensuring complete confidentiality and handling situations with tact and sensitivity, the key activities of the role include:

• main point of contact for the Director, a proactive approach to in box management responding and resolving requests and queries on behalf of the Director, both internal and external, and acting as ambassador as required
• diary management for the Director, including arranging UK and international travel and ensuring that the Director is suitably briefed
• organising meetings and events including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and producing follow-up actions
• providing cross-department support including organising Department and, in some cases, national events or conferences, coordinating of the annual performance review and managing the starter and leaver process in collaboration with others
• liaising with external universities and providing support for PhD Students enquiries
• organising and co-ordinating correspondence and visits with key stakeholders
• working collaboratively with the Department Administrators, providing cover where appropriate

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As part of one of Europe's largest research organisations, this is a place where there's always something new to learn - about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what's possible.

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

PPD is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are invested in creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of all, to help us achieve the highest possible standards in our work and organisation together. In this regard we encourage applications from under-represented groups and are happy to discuss flexibility, but the nature of the role requires on-site working.

Person Specification

The criteria below will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

• proven experience of working as a PA or Admin related role or background (S&I)
• experience of managing complex diaries and travel arrangements (S&I)
• clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with staff and stakeholders at all levels audiences (S&I)
• good organisational and time management skills, with an ability to deliver under pressure and in sometimes ambiguous/changing environments, taking initiative where required (S&I)
• strong team player with ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and at different levels (S&I)
• ability to handle with discretion sensitive and confidential information (S&I)

A sound working knowledge of Office 365 is desirable.

Additional Information

This role is based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxford, however hybrid working is supported. Some UK travel may be required.

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/

You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.