Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen to become a Subwarden in – a popular and friendly hall with a fantastic sense of community spirit. Situated near the Library, Robert Bakewell Hall offers residents a vibrant and supportive environment. We are inviting applications from doctoral researchers only, ideally those who still have a significant portion of their programme remaining and are not yet approaching the stage of submitting their thesis for examination.
Duties: Robert Bakewell Subwardens assist the Warden, Dr Katryna Kalawsky, in the day to day running of the hall. This includes pastoral, disciplinary and administrative duties, as well as being involved in social aspects of hall life. You’ll be part of a dynamic team providing out-of-hours emergency cover in a hall of 400 students, ensuring the smooth running of the hall.
Personal Attributes: We are looking for candidates with excellent communication skills across a range of contexts, strong experience in student support, and effective organisational abilities. Applicants should demonstrate leadership and role‑model qualities, work well as part of a team, and show a genuine commitment to the Hall’s community spirit.
Accommodation and Catering Arrangements: Free accommodation is available throughout the year. The accommodation available for Subwardens is only suitable for a single person. Robert Bakewell is self-catered, however some meals are provided during term time through the diners+ scheme.
Get to Know the Role and Team: Before applying, we encourage you to take a little time to understand what the role involves. It’s also a great idea to learn more about Robert Bakewell Hall, as every hall and team has its own unique character and ways of working
If you would like to connect with the current Subwardens to hear more about the role or their experiences, you can contact them at:
1. Mohammad Abdallah –
2. Greeshma Giridhar -
3. O Haruna - (departing Subwarden)
You may also wish to look at the website to gain an understanding on the types of challenges and support residents may require.
An opportunity to meet the team will take place prior to the application closing date on Tuesday 03 March 2026 (6:30-7:30pm). If you would like to attend, please complete this by 11:59pm on Sunday 01 March 2026. You will receive further information once the form has closed.
Important Dates for the Appointee
4. The appointed candidate will be required to move into Robert Bakewell Hall, ideally as soon as possible, in readiness for the start of the Summer Term (w/c 13 April 2026).
5. Attendance at Subwarden Training in September 2026 is mandatory (dates TBC).
6. The successful candidate will also need to take the full day away from their academic commitments to support the Warden’s Team during Arrivals Day (22 September 2026) at Robert Bakewell Hall.
7. In addition, availability for duty, and to provide back‑up support to the team if required, throughout the Welcome Period (21 September to 09 October 2026) is essential.
To Apply: Please complete and submit the following documentation to the Warden, Dr Katryna Kalawsky () by email no later than Monday 09 March 2026, midnight:
8. The Voluntary University Subwardenship .
9. An accompanying cover-letter outlining your suitability for the post – please include when you registered/expect to register for your doctoral programme.
10. Two written references (, from PhD Supervisors, Director of Studies / Line Manager, Head of Section).
Shortlisting and Interviews: Shortlisting will begin shortly after the application deadline. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an in‑person interview, which will take place during the evening in the week commencing 09 March 2026 or the week commencing 16 March 2026
Applicants who are not shortlisted will be notified. However, due to the likely high volume of applications, individual feedback may not be provided.
For the General conditions of service please click whilst the Role outline can be found .