The Role
Newcastle University, John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (JWMDRC)
Join an exciting international project led by Prof. V Straub that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and MRI technology that aims to help improve diagnosis and monitoring of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs). Based at Newcastle University’s JWMDRC, you will play a key role supporting global collaborations and advancing clinical care and research.
This varied role offers opportunities to work with academics and clinicians worldwide, gain experience in multidisciplinary project management, and contribute to project development and research.
Key responsibilities include supporting the Principal Investigator and study team, acting as the first point of contact for collaborators, coordinating onboarding of new partners, managing communications, and assisting with study data collection and organization.
Apply now to be part of a groundbreaking effort to transform neuromuscular disease research and care.
Please reach out to Sam Fitzsimmons at if you have any queries.
Key Accountabilities
1. Provide comprehensive administrative support including formatting documents, dealing with email and telephone enquiries, managing diaries and devising and maintaining administrative systems
2. Support the day-to-day project organisation including internal and external meetings (online and in-person), workshops, conference calls and information-days. This includes maintenance of contact lists, contacting attendees, preparing and circulating agendas and associated documentation, taking minutes and ensuring follow up actions are carried out
3. Act as a point of contact for AI and MRI projects, dealing directly with email enquiries from patients and healthcare professionals or directing enquiries to appropriate team members to ensure they are handled efficiently
4. Support travel and accommodation arrangements as needed
5. Support communication material development and activities including making sure that websites are kept up to date and newsletters are published, in liaison with the project managers
6. Support the dissemination of project progress and outputs, to include reporting activities, conference registration, abstract and journal submissions and poster printing
7. Liaise with professional clinical bodies and national policy makers to support procedures for endorsement of project outputs
8. Document project spending and create purchase requisitions for project-related costs
9. Represent the JWMDRC, AI & MRI projects in conversations, meetings, presentations in the absence of/to support the project managers/PIs
10. As required work with other members of the team to support the set up and management of project-related research and activities related to the work of the JWMDRC
11. As required, provide support for other JWMDRC events including international conferences and patient engagement events
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
12. Previous experience in a relevant role
13. Advanced user of Microsoft Office
14. Excellent administrative skills, including experience of setting up filing systems, preparing for meetings, managing diaries and the ability to develop and implement new systems and procedures
15. Ability to handle project-related finances including travel booking, purchase requisitions
16. Experience of working with stakeholders from different backgrounds, e.g. patients, family members, pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, clinicians, policy makers and charities
17. Experience of working in a university/NHS environment/patient organisation
Attributes and Behaviour
18. Ability to prioritise workload, to use initiative and work under pressure, working independently whenever possible but being aware when to refer decisions upwards or ask for further advice
19. Decide when appointments can be made and implement changes to reorganise priorities. Make decisions regarding travel plans
20. Have good working relations across the University and with external collaborators. Be able to communicate appropriately, both orally and in writing effectively at all levels across the team, the institute, and the projects
21. Deal appropriately with confidential information
22. Act with sensitivity in dealing with external collaborators, which may include people who have a neuromuscular disease, their carer’s and the public; and funders and sponsors of policy and research, as well as clinicians from partner organisations and professional bodies
23. Develop and maintain strong working links with the project partners (working groups and governance structures) to enable them to meet their project commitments
24. Occasional work outside core working hours may be required to assist with project related events. Occasional travel (rarely, international) may be required
Qualifications
25. Grades A-C in English Language and Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent) or vocational qualifications
26. Very good level of literacy and numeracy
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 28589