Advert
Administrative Officer, Wales Cancer Research Centre
Division of Cancer and Genetics
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences
The mission of the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) is to lead a step change in cancer research in Wales, by creating a clear focus and reputation for excellence in thematic areas of strength; attracting multi-sector investment to expand research activity; and maximising research opportunities for Welsh cancer patients. We are working towards this goal by facilitating collaborative and integrated working; investing in research positions along the career pathway; and delivering project work that enables research activity. It is an exciting time at WCRC as we have recently secured funding for an additional 5 years.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Administrative Officer, to provide comprehensive and professional support to the WCRC. Candidates should be confident in multi-tasking, prioritising workload and servicing meetings whilst possessing strong organisational skills.
This post is based on the Heath Park campus.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 40 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.
The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.
For informal enquiries, please contact: Dr Ceri Morris, Operations Manager – MorrisC10@cardiff.ac.uk
This post is part-time (17½ hours per week), fixed term until 31 March 2030, and available immediately. The part-time working pattern is not predefined but would be expected to span a minimum of 3 days, to include a Wednesday and Thursday.
Salary: £27,644 - £30,805 per annum, pro rata (Grade 4). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.
Date advert posted: Tuesday, 5 August 2025
Closing date: Sunday, 31 August 2025
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Provide comprehensive, professional administrative support to the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) within the Division of Cancer and Genetics. This will include working closely with Centre staff and with key partners across Wales and the UK, including but not limited to: other departments within Cardiff University, academic researchers, Health and Care Research Wales, patient and public involvement group, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the NHS, cancer charities and other research organisations.
As the biggest university in Wales – and a major employer, with more than 7,000 staff – we are an ambitious and innovative university located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression.
Duties And Responsibilities
Key Duties
* Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the WCRC’s Senior Leadership Team and Hub Team, including but not limited to administrative support and follow-up for high level meetings; administrative support for recurrent governance and working group meetings; requesting and collating information for routine reporting; financial administration such as invoicing; organising travel arrangements; and organising office equipment and supplies.
* Provide detailed advice and guidance to set up administrative processes and procedures for the WCRC to internal and external customers (staff, students or members of the public), ensuring the processes are in line with University policies where relevant.
* Using judgement, creativity and planning to set up, manage and monitor the most appropriate administrative support, and contribute to the solving of more complex issues.
* Make recommendations to the WCRC Director and Operations Manager for developments that could improve WCRC administrative processes and procedures.
* Establish productive working relationships with key individuals (University colleagues and external contacts) to help improve the level of service the team provides to its customers.
* Within the WCRC Hub Team, provide the first point of contact for the organisation, ensuring a professional approach and appropriate onward referral or resolution of enquiries
* Manage WCRC Director’s diary, as required.
* Develop appropriate communication links with WCRC staff and key research partners, as well as the University’s Colleges/Schools/Directorates.
* Manage the administrative and organisational arrangements, including minute taking, for various meetings, conferences and training events. This includes meetings of key WCRC governance groups and working groups, including the Senior Leadership Group and WCRC’s highly commended patient and public involvement group.
* Perform a variety of administrative duties to support the team and department achieve its objectives.
* Gather and analyse data so that informed decisions can be made, establishing basic trends and patterns in the data and providing reports and recommendations for management.
* Instruct and guide colleagues across the University and within WCRC on administrative functions as required.
* Job description continued below .. **
Person Specification
We want to employ people with a wide variety of experiences. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We are particularly seeking applications from candidates who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented at the University, including people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
We are looking for a team player who will work with colleagues to provide a great service to staff and students. You don’t need to have worked for a University before; this is an opportunity to show your potential and start or continue your career at Cardiff University.
This role may be an opportunity for you to build on your experience from working in a previous administrative role or environment, demonstrating your transferable skills and aptitude to be successful in the role. You should be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge and skills to become a valued member of the team.
Your application will be assessed against the following essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please copy and paste this section into a new document and give clear examples of how you can evidence meeting each criteria by writing under each one. You can draw on elements from any aspect of your life (e.g. work, home, education/qualifications or community life) as long as you focus on their relevance to the role.
Please save your supporting statement in a separate document with the title [YOURNAME - 20297BR - Administrative Officer] and attach it to your application in the recruitment system.
Please note that these are also the criteria shortlisted applicants will be assessed against at interview and/or by other means (e.g. a skills test).
Essential Criteria
* Evidence of a good standard of numeracy and IT literacy.
* Experience of working in an administrative role or environment and ability to set up standard office systems and procedures, making improvements to these as appropriate.
* Specialist knowledge of administratively developing and supporting organisations with multiple stakeholders (such as the NHS, HEIs, scientists, cancer researchers, clinicians, patient and public representatives, cancer charities and research organisations).
* Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely specialist and complex. information effectively and professionally to a range of customers with varying levels of understanding.
* Ability to advise and influence key stakeholders in your area of work.
* Ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service you provide accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.
* Evidence of ability to solve problems using initiative and creativity; identify and propose practical solutions and resolve problems; select an appropriate approach, where there is a range of potential options available.
* Ability to work unsupervised to deadlines, planning and setting priorities for your own work.
Desirable Criteria
* Degree or an equivalent qualification or equivalent, work-related experience.
* Experience of providing administrative support for large events such as conferences.
* Knowledge of electronic financial systems and databases.
* Experience of working in a similar role or environment, e.g. Higher Education.
* Ability to speak/understand Welsh or a willingness to learn.
Additional Information
** Job description continued .. **
General Duties
* Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
* Abide by all University policies and undergo appropriate personal and professional development.
* Cross-cover with other WCRC co-ordinating staff, as appropriate.
* Perform other duties which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
* Uphold the Professional Services Values & Behaviours or local equivalent.
Additional Information
This post is supported through WCRC funding. WCRC is funded by Health and Care Research Wales who are the Welsh Government body that develops, in consultation with partners, strategy and policy for research in the NHS and social care in Wales.
How we will support you in performing in this role –
Role
There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience. We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you:
* Regular one-to-ones with your manager
* An experienced and supportive team around you
* Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require
* A mentoring scheme
Salary Range Min.
27,644
Salary Range Max.
30,805
Job Category
Admin / Clerical
Grade
Grade 4 #J-18808-Ljbffr