Salary: £27, £28, per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: 4 March 2026
The Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the COLO-SPEED research team, as the COLO-SPEED Research Programme Administrator.
The COLO-SPEED research programme is building the world's largest platform for research in prevention and early diagnosis of bowel cancer. We deliver a range of studies, with a variety of methodologies and focuses, all of which have the ultimate aim of reducing bowel cancer deaths. The COLO-SPEED team spans Newcastle University and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and this post would sit within Newcastle University.
The COLO-SPEED Research Programme Administrator will provide administrative and organisational support to the COLO-SPEED research group, supporting successful delivery of the COLO-SPEED portfolio of research. COLO-SPEED is building the world's largest platform for research in prevention and early diagnosis of bowel cancer.
This post is a full time (100%fte) fixed-term role until 31st January 2027. Further information about this post can be obtained by contacting Dr. Christina Dobson –
Key Accountabilities
1. Organise COLO-SPEED events, conferences and workshops (both public-facing (i.e., patient group meetings, engagement events) and academic (i.e., research symposium)) including: scheduling, agendas, taking and disseminating minutes; organising catering; room bookings; publicity; travel; accommodation; printing; and providing hands-on practical assistance on the day
2. Maintain COLO-SPEED study email inboxes, bringing emails to the attention of relevant team members as required
3. Maintain the COLO-SPEED website and social media sites, including updating news and information on studies, research and opportunities
4. Manage initial contacts about the COLO-SPEED Research Network or COLO-SPEED patient group from members of the public
5. Draft and distribute quarterly study newsletters, with support from wider COLO-SPEED team for individual section content
6. Provide organisational support to the research team by maintaining a level of academic/researcher diary oversight to enable organisation of meetings, events and appointments
7. Advise and liaise with team members requiring services and procure and distribute commodities, equipment and services using Faculty central admin and University Procurement departments
8. Liaise with research study sites to provide regular data updates
9. Maintain systems to manage and store project information following governmental, NHS and University guidelines relating to confidentiality and data protection
10. Liaise with Faculty central admin and University Finance and Procurement departments to ensure goods and services are processed and resolve invoice related queries
11. Work effectively with the COLO-SPEED research group team members, at both Newcastle University and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, to support the effective delivery of our research programme
12. Any other duties as requested that are grade appropriate
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
13. Up to date knowledge of MS Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
14. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
15. Excellent administrative skills, including experience of setting up filing systems, preparing agenda, taking minutes of meetings etc.
16. Ability to work quickly and accurately to deadlines, paying attention to detail
17. Good team working abilities
18. Experience in relevant complex administrative role(s)
19. Experience of using and/or developing databases (Access, Excel etc.)
20. Experience of research systems and processes in higher education
21. Very good level of literacy and numeracy
22. Experience of maintaining website content and overseeing communications (desirable)
23. Experience of drafting reports and promotional materials (desirable)
Attributes and Behaviour
24. Ability to follow guidelines and work autonomously using initiative
25. Excellent organisational, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills
26. Ability to prioritise own workload, manage conflicting priorities and monitor/report on project milestones
27. Deal appropriately with confidential information
28. Act with sensitivity in dealing with external collaborators, which may include people who have serious health conditions, their carers and the public; and funders and sponsors of health and care policy and research, as well as academics from partner organisations
29. Develop and maintain strong working links with project partners to enable them to meet their project commitments
30. Evidence of a commitment to continuing professional development
31. Ability to travel regionally and nationally as required
Qualifications
32. Grades A-C in English Language and Mathematics GCSE (or equivalent) or vocational qualifications
33. RSA II, an equivalent secretarial qualification, or demonstrable significant experience in an administrative role
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Requisition ID: 29109