We are looking for an experienced PA to support the Head of Department and the Departmental Administrator in the Department of Psychology, based in historic central Cambridge. We offer a welcoming, friendly work environment where you will feel valued, encouraged to develop and supported to achieve your full potential. The Department of Psychology is a large teaching and research Department in the School of Biological Sciences with approximately 30 Academics, 1530 members of staff and 100 postgraduate students.
You will provide a comprehensive and proactive PA service to the Head of Department and the Departmental Administrator to support the efficient and effective management of their time and work. You will ensure the successful management of collaborative/administrative projects involving a range of university departments and external institutions, by putting in place all requisite processes and procedures. You will also prepare for and attend meetings, record the minutes and act on administrative tasks that may arise out of committee meetings. You will oversee department visitor applications, and organise and manage events, and seminars and publicity for the department, as well as providing administrative assistance to departmental projects, and welcoming departmental guests. This is an interesting and varied role, which includes some HR administration duties in conjunction with the HR team, as well as event management and occasional cover for reception.
You will have a proactive and flexible approach to your work and will have relevant PA/administrative experience. You will have excellent IT skills and exceptional written, verbal and organisational skills. You will be able to use your own initiative as well as having the ability to work both independently and as part of a friendly and supportive team.
What we Offer Our Professional Services staff play a fundamental role in the School's academic vision of the pursuit of education and research at the highest levels of excellence. The University of Cambridge offers excellent benefits, extensive opportunities in a stimulating environment.
* The University salary structure includes automatic service-related pay progression in many of its grades and an annual cost of living increase. In addition to this, employees are rewarded for outstanding contribution through a number of regular pay progression schemes. Staff also benefit from a generous annual leave entitlement.
* The University offers employees a wide range of competitive benefits, from health care cash plans to childcare, a cycle to work scheme, to shopping and insurance discounts.
* University-led initiatives in the areas of equality, diversity and wellbeing include staff and students networks. These include the Women's Staff Network, the Disabled Staff Network, the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, Parents and Carers and the LGBT+ Network. We also hold a wide range of Equality and Diversity events on a regular basis.
* Wellbeing at Cambridge is a university-wide initiative aiming at supporting and maximising the health and wellbeing of staff. It encompasses a network of Wellbeing Advocates, who provide guidance and general signposting about wellbeing issues, including mental or physical health and Dignity @ Work concerns.
* The University offer a range of family-friendly policies, including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. In addition, workplace nurseries, childcare vouchers, a childcare salary sacrifice scheme and a high-quality holiday play scheme are available to help support University employees with caring responsibilities
Informal queries regarding this post may be sent to:
* Jo Simmonds ) for queries about the role and relevant skills.
* Fiona Lyall Grant (hr-) for queries about the application process.
Please quote reference PJ47232 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 Psychology
Salary
£31,236-£35,608
Reference
PJ47232
Category
Assistant staff
Date published
10 September 2025
Closing date
5 October 2025