The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute whose science helps people and the environment to prosper. It is looking for an organised, proactive and highly professional Personal Assistant and Senior Administrator (part time) to provide dedicated support to the Science Director for Water and Climate Science (50% FTE), alongside supporting other senior leaders across the organisation (30% FTE). The role combines Personal Assistant responsibilities with broader coordination and administrative support, working closely with senior leaders, colleagues across UKCEH and external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage diary, inbox requests and respond to routine enquiries for a Science Director and a small number of other senior leaders, escalating matters where appropriate.
- Coordinate UK and international travel, accommodation and conference arrangements for senior leaders.
- Provide logistics for meetings, workshops, visits and stakeholder engagements, including preparing agendas, circulating papers and taking notes.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and ways of working.
Essential requirements:
- Experience as a Personal or Executive Assistant or similar senior administration support role, managing diaries and email on behalf of others.
- Experience maintaining records, coordinating information and supporting operational activities.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple competing priorities and work to deadlines.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while recognising when issues require escalation.
- Confident using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Desirable: experience supporting senior leaders or Directors; working in research, scientific or technical environments; organising large meetings, workshops or events; taking minutes and managing action logs.
Salary: £33,284 - £35,322 depending on experience. Hybrid working (50/50). Locations: Wallingford, Lancaster, Edinburgh, Bangor. Benefits include 27 days annual leave (rising to 29) plus 3 Christmas closure days, 10% employer pension contribution, life assurance and income protection.
Closing date: Monday 2 November 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply through the UKCEH Workday portal by uploading your CV and answering the application questions (150 words or fewer each). A separate cover letter is not required. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
https://ceh.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/CEH_Careers/job/Wallingford/Personal-Assistant-and-Senior-Administrator_JR1604/apply