The Opportunity
The University of Cambridge is a world-leading institution renowned for excellence in research, education, and scholarship. With over 14,000 staff, we are committed to creating an inclusive, dynamic workplace that enables our people to thrive.
As the Higher Education sector prepares for REF2029, we are looking for three key REF posts to support Units of Assessment (UoA) within the School of the Physical Sciences (SPS) – two REF Coordinators for Physics (UoA 9) and Mathematical Sciences (UoA 10), and a REF Administrator for Geography and Environmental Studies (UoA 14; Part‑time).
Each post will support a single, dedicated Unit of Assessment, working closely with the relevant academic department(s). You will be embedded within the day‑to‑day academic environment, building strong working relationships with researchers, departmental administrators, and REF academic leadership. You will also be part of the School REF Team, led by the SPS REF Manager, sharing expertise, resources, and best practice across the School. While your focus will be on a specific UoA, you will be well supported by colleagues working on other submissions and by central REF and institutional teams.
With knowledge of REF, you will provide expert, end‑to‑end administrative support across all components of the REF2029 submission for your allocated UoA. This will include coordinating data collection, supporting governance and decision‑making processes, maintaining accurate systems and records, and ensuring departments are well prepared to meet REF requirements and deadlines.
About You
You may already have experience of the REF or similar large‑scale projects, or you may be keen to develop specialist expertise in this area as part of your career in higher education administration.
You will excel at prioritising work and managing competing demands, adapting to emerging challenges and accurately processing data. You will be equally comfortable working independently and as part of collaborative teams, including working with senior academic stakeholders.
With engaging and effective communication skills across a range of stakeholders, you will provide expert, end‑to‑end administrative support across all components of the REF2029 submission. This will include coordinating data collection, supporting governance and decision‑making processes, maintaining accurate systems and records, and ensuring departments are well prepared to meet REF requirements and deadlines.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in one of the most significant national research assessments, contributing directly to the success and visibility of world‑leading research.
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting staff to thrive professionally and personally and offers a wide range of benefits.
In joining the School of the Physical Sciences, you will not only be part of collaborative and forward‑thinking teams that support world‑class research, but you will also be part of a welcoming and inclusive workplace with excellent opportunities for professional development. Familiarity with the Physical Sciences could be beneficial for the role but is not essential. The role requires regular on‑site working to support effective collaboration with departments and academic colleagues with scope for hybrid working once the postholder is established in the role.
Limited funding: The funds for these posts are available until 30 December 2028 in the first instance.
Closing date for all applications is Sunday 7 June with interviews planned for the week of 15 June.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed to Elena Varela Fuentes, SPS REF Manager, at elena.varelafuentes@admin.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact PhysicalSciences@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference LA49743 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Further Information
* Further Information G7
* Further Information G6
£35,608 to £46,049 per annum
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