Salary - £31,942 - £33,898
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent
Closing date for applications, 19 January 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
Are you enthusiastic about developing your project management skills and ready to grow your career in a supportive, hands-on environment?
An opportunity has arisen for a Science Programmes Officer to join theproject managementteam for the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) – a major national investment in UK hydrological science ()
Reporting to the PMO Manager,you’lljoin a small, collaborative team of six project management professionals and play a vital role in supporting the delivery of this high-profile and exciting programme of work. This is an excellent opportunity for someone withpreviousexperience, or a keen interest, in developing a career in the project management space, who also thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Working closely with your team,you’llplayan important rolein keeping projects on track and running smoothly, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of project management.You’lltake the lead in coordinatinglogisticsand supporting engaging events for both team and programme-wide meetings, helping colleagues stay connected and well informed. Alongside this,you’llhave the opportunity to get involved in project planning and data collection, contributing to key decisions and seeing firsthand how your work helps the programme succeed.This is an excellentchance to develop practical skills, build confidence in a professional environment, and grow your career in project management within a supportive and collaborative team.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Act as a first point of contact through the project inbox, triaging enquiries and ensuring they reach the right people
2. Maintainaccurateand accessible project information, ensuring documentation iswell managedand easy to navigate
3. Coordinate meetings end to end, including scheduling, preparingpapersand capturing clear, meaningful minutes
4. Keep the project intranet and calendar up to date, sharingtimelyinformation and updates with the wider team
5. Support procurement activity, including sourcing supplies and coordinating with contractors
6. Take ownership of ad-hoc tasks and small sub-projects, seeing them through from start to finish
7. Proactively suggest and help implement improvements that increase efficiency and ways of working
8. Be an active voice in the weekly PMO team meeting, contributing ideas,insightand constructive challenge
9. Welcome and onboard new team members, helping them settle in quickly and feel part of the team
We’relooking forsomeoneis enthusiastic about developing and building upon their project management skills and eager to grow their career in a supportive, hands-on environment. You’llneed to be astrong communicator, enjoysregularliaison with colleagues internally and externally.You’llbemanaging a busy email inbox, coordinating multiple diaries, arranging meetings, and ensuringyourcolleagues have the information they need will form a central part of your role.You’llalsoneeda high levelofattention to detail, a methodical approach, and a real enjoyment of administrative tasks carried out accurately and efficiently. This role involves a high volume of meetings and emails, so organisation and focus are essential.
We provide tailored support and training for professional project management qualifications, making this a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, grow yourexpertise, and take the next step in your project management career.
For the role ofScience Programmes Officer,we’relooking for somebody who has:
10. Either a project management qualification with little or no practical experience, or relevant experience in a project/programme/PMO environment without a formal qualification.Alternatively, has a love of administration and organisation, combined with a project management qualification (or working towards one)
11. Has an interest in environmental issues,andharnessingtechnology to support and improve research
12. Possesses excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, enabling effective interaction with people at all levels across the organisation and with external stakeholders
13. Has a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to routine tasks
14. Is proactive and able to work independently, while understanding the importance of seeking guidance when needed
15. Is willing to travel occasionally for project meetings in Lancaster, which may involve a few nights away
16. Is confident using standard office software (MS Office, SharePoint, Teams)
You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks, such as:
17. 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
18. 10% employer pension contribution
19. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
20. Peer reward and recognition scheme
21. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
22. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
23. 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...
Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. PleasesubmityourCV along with asupporting statement (max. 300 words) that clearly addresses all three questions below, using brief examples from your current orpreviousroles:
24. How have you used project management approachesin a current orpreviousrole?
25. How do you manage your time andobjectives?
26. How have you used MS Office, SharePoint, MSTeamsor other software to support your work or collaboration?
At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyone - regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance -has the opportunity tothrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process - pleasedon’thesitate to reach out. So, ifyou’reexcited about this role but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly with every requirement,we’dlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.
Please note:Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.