Job overview
The Senior Research and Training Operations Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the effective delivery of the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) strategy. Working within the BRC core management team, the post‑holder provides operational, administrative, and programme support across research, training, financial monitoring, and governance activities. The role works closely with the BRC Head of Operations and contributes to ensuring research activities run smoothly, funding calls are delivered effectively, data and performance metrics are well managed, and early career researcher development programmes are supported.
Main duties of the job
The Senior Research and Training Operations Coordinator supports the smooth running of the NIHR GOSH BRC by coordinating grant funding calls, organising key meetings, supporting early career researcher training programmes, and managing data, reporting and communications. Working closely with the BRC Head of Operations and core team, the role helps ensure efficient delivery of research, training and organisational activities across GOSH and the UCL Institute of Child Health.
* Support the BRC Research Operations Manager in the successful delivery of the BRC research strategy.
* Work closely with staff throughout GOSH and ICH to ensure effective management of the BRC, including finance, HR and department managers.
* Support the BRC Head of Operations to coordinate grant schemes, including developing and advertising grant funding calls, liaising with applicants, managing the peer review process and communicating with awardees.
* Provide committee support for the BRC Science Board, BRC Management Board and BRC Strategy Board, including liaising with speakers, coordinating meetings, writing minutes and ensuring actions are followed up in a timely manner.
* Work closely with the R&I Communications team to develop communications materials as required and to ensure the BRC website remains relevant and up to date.
* Support the BRC Head of Operations to liaise with researchers to monitor their grant expenditure and ensure timely production of BRC finance reports.
* Provide administrative support for wider BRC initiatives, including Patient/Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), Business Development and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
Working for our organisation
We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as the communities we serve, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including people with Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic heritage, people with a disability, and people from LGBTQ+ communities. By growing an ever more diverse workforce, we’ll have a greater range of perspectives and knowledge, meaning that we can provide the children and young people at our hospital with even better care.
Our hospital is committed to creating an environment that is open and inclusive. Our staff are encouraged to engage with colleagues through the following networks: REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) ENABLED (Enhancing Abilities & Leveraging Disabilities Network), PRIDE and Women’s networks; all of which are sponsored by a member of our Executive Management Team.
We want to ensure that all of our people, regardless of their background, are seen and heard. We want to attract applicants that share our commitment to inclusion and that understand diversity is a strength that is embraced and valued.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* Educated to degree level in a scientific area or equivalent experience
* Evidence of continuing professional development/education including attendance on study programmes
Culture and Values
Essential criteria
* Our Always Values
* Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
* Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace.
* Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Experience in working in research management and administration (preferably in Higher Education, in an NHS organisation, or in a research funding body)
* Evidence of supporting the implementation of strategic / delivery plans
* Experience planning and running events
* A good understanding of multi-disciplinary team working
* Experience of supporting committee meetings and writing minutes
* Knowledge, understanding and application of equal opportunity implementation in line with Athena Swan principles and NHS People Strategy
Desirable criteria
* Experience of handling and analysing data, preparing reports and providing recommendations
* Experience of budget management
* Experience of administering grant funding calls
* Interest in career development initiatives for early career researchers
* Some experience of project management
* Understanding of the research environment, research collaborations and experience working with researchers
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Key attention to detail
* Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
* IT literate and demonstrable analytical skills
* Ability to plan and organise a large workload to meet both internal and external deadlines
* Self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative, making decisions independently but seeking advice where needed
* Flexible approach
* Ability to deal with difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
* Team player
* “Can do” attitude and interest in facilitating and coordinating research programmes