Are you looking for an exciting opportunity in which to develop your Human Resources career in a world-leading academic department and University?
The Cavendish Laboratory is the place of pioneering physics, that's been at the forefront of scientific discovery for 150 years, and will continue to be, because we never sit still. The Cavendish Laboratory has made several important discoveries, including: the discovery of the electron (1897), the neutron (1932), the structure of DNA (1953); thirty Cavendish researchers have won Nobel Prizes. We're trailblazers who continue to extend the frontiers of physics.
We have recently moved into our new state-of-the-art, multi-million-pound Ray Dolby Centre - the centrepiece of the new Cavendish Laboratory. This is an exciting and challenging time for the Department, and we would like to find a highly motivated individual with a positive attitude towards change and development to join us.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated part time HR Administrator to join our newly restructured HR team as maternity cover. The successful applicant will join a busy team of HR Administrators and Senior HR Coordinators who provide full support (both in person and via email) for all HR functions in the Department. The hours are 22.5 per week, to be worked over 3 days, preferably Wednesday to Friday, but this can be discussed at interview.
You will work closely with the Senior HR Coordinators and HR Manager to provide a professional and efficient HR service including all aspects of HR administration. Reporting directly to one of our Senior HR Coordinators, the role will provide clear and accurate advice on procedure, coordinating the recruitment and visitor processes and the onboarding of new starters (including dealing with all immigration and pre-employment paperwork).
During the six month probation period, the role holder will be required to work in the office. After successful completion of their probation, we will agree up to 1 day per week working from home. This arrangement will depend on the operational needs of the team.
The successful candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and administrative skills, and you will have the ability to work well within a busy team, fostering good working relationships with a wide variety of people from all over the world. You should be proficient in all standard Microsoft Office packages, highly organised, self-motivated, and able to prioritise your workload within a demanding environment. Tact and discretion are essential when handling confidential personal information. The ideal candidate will have HR administration experience but we will consider candidates who have excellent administrative and organisational skills; the ability to produce work to a high level of accuracy is essential.
The position will be available from November.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
No agencies please.
Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 1 year or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to Susie Curtis at
Please quote reference KA46784 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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.
Key information
Department/location
Department of Physics
Salary
£26,942-£30,805 pro rata
Reference
KA46784
Category
Assistant staff
Date published
29 July 2025
Closing date
9 September 2025