Job overview
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre, pioneering in cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, and education. We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented Academic Personal Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to a senior academic lead/team within our dynamic research environment. This part-time role is crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of academic and clinical activities, including research projects and teaching commitments.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Academic PA is key to the efficient management of the consultant firm. Patient access to healthcare professionals and subsequent treatment planning in the specialist hospital setting relies upon well-co-ordinated organisational and administrative support. The role of the Academic PA has been introduced at the Trust to strengthen the secretarial service, and this job description outlines the responsibilities that the post is likely to encompass. However, several of the posts differ in their emphasis depending upon the size of the consultant’s clinical practice and administrative team, and whether he / she also has an Administrative PA and / or a Medical Secretary(s).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSEs (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above
2. Competent at Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
Desirable criteria
3. Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers and Receptionists (AMSPAR) qualified or equivalent.
4. European Computer Driving License (ECDL) or Equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
5. Significant previous experience as a Personal Assistant, preferably within an academic, research, NHS, or healthcare setting.
Desirable criteria
6. Demonstrable experience of complex diary management and scheduling
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to an advanced level
9. Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines independently.
10. Ability to work autonomously and use initiative, whilst also being a strong team player.
11. Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
12. Proactive and flexible approach to work.
13. Understanding of the importance of research and academic activity in a healthcare setting. Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines independently.
14. Ability to work autonomously and use initiative, whilst also being a strong team player.
15. Discretion and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
16. Proactive and flexible approach to work.
17. Understanding of the importance of research and academic activity in a healthcare setting
Desirable criteria
18. Experience with specific academic software (e.g., reference management software like EndNote, Zotero).
19. Familiarity with NHS administrative processes and structures.
20. Knowledge of medical or scientific terminology.
21. Experience in supporting grant applications or research project administration.
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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