Full time, Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on 03/01/2023

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK

This role will require a Basic Disclosure check. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process

This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

An excellent opportunity has arisen within the Faculty of Natural Sciences for a Faculty PGR Administrator whose work portfolio will include providing general administrative support across the faculty with a specific remit to support postgraduate research student programmes across all the subject areas within the faculty, and financial support and advice to academics/project leaders. The postholder will also work closely with the Deputy Associate Dean of Research and the Divisional Directors of Postgraduate Research

The postholder will be responsible for delivering a range of activities relating to the administration of academic programmes, supporting the student experience (from initial enquiry through to graduation), and supporting academic staff and professional services colleagues across the faculty with minimal supervision

The postholder will have responsibility for providing administrative support to a specified portfolio of modules and/or programmes; however, they will also be expected to work flexibly as part of the wider faculty admin team, ensuring that high-quality services are provided to all students at all times. Duties may include enhancement of the student experience, development and administration of student placement opportunities and administration of professional accreditation of programmes

The postholder will demonstrate proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office particularly Word and Excel, possess excellent verbal and written communication skills along with strong attention to detail and a methodical and focused approach to work. Experience of interacting in a supportive and sensitive manner with individuals from a wide range of cultures and nationalities is a key requirement as is an interest in supporting the student experience and delivering excellent customer service. The postholder should also be able to work flexibly as part of a team

Provide general administrative support across the faculty to support staff in key activities including ensuring the effective operational delivery of programmes

• Liaise with colleagues across the faculty and University to support a wide range of activities including the delivery of an excellent student experience
• Respond in a timely manner to requests for information from students, academics, and other stakeholders
• Undertake a range of financial duties pertaining to research students’ administration in accordance with University policy
• Liaise with Lead Technicians to provide adequate and appropriate space and facilities to enable the student to undertake their programme of study
• Undertake a range of programme and module administrative duties, liaising with Module Co-ordinators and Programme Directors as necessary
• Contribute to the development of revised processes and policies which will enhance the student experience (through, for example, improved retention, attainment and employability outcomes) and ensure such processes and policies are effectively implemented
• Understand and respond to the needs of staff and students through regular contact and by obtaining and analysing feedback (including PRES). Co-ordinate the development, and monitor the implementation, of action plans to address feedback
• Co-ordinate and support recruitment, conversion and admission activity, administration of scholarships, student induction and enrolment arrangements as required
• Work collaboratively with professional services colleagues in the Faculty and the wider University to share information and best practice in order to enhance services provided, taking a continuous improvement approach to process review
• Engage in training and development opportunities to support the work of the team and Faculty
• Contribute to the wider life of the Faculty and University through involvement with major University and/or Faculty events, such as open days, graduation, conferences, research week, etc

Qualifications & Experience:

• Educated to a minimum of HND level (or equivalent) or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience of financial administration, including monitoring and reporting. and the ability to undertake basic income and expenditure forecasting
• Experience of working in a busy, customer-focused administrative environment.
• Knowledge and demonstrable experience of operating Microsoft office applications (Sharepoint, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Knowledge and demonstrable experience of operating financial management software, e.g. Agresso
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
• Knowledge of data protection and equality legislation and an appreciation of the potential impact of this legislation on the duties of the role

Skills and Attributes:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including colleagues, students, academics and professional services staff across the University
• Experience of working independently and as a team member
• Resilient with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines, while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy
• Demonstrable ability to identify problems and propose solutions
• Well-developed organisational skills with the ability to adopt a systematic approach to meeting agreed priorities and deadlines with a minimum of supervision
• Creative and positive attitude with a commitment to service quality.
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn and develop

• Educated to degree level
• Previous experience of working in Higher or Further Education

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021). Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 10 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 120 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The campus – also home to 1,700 staff – has its own loch and castle, and a recent multi-million-pound redevelopment has delivered modern, flexible, and digitally connected study and social spaces at the heart of campus, including enhanced student support and retail and catering outlets.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019). Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence and its recently redeveloped world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

As a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, the University is driving productivity and inclusive growth across the Forth Valley, and beyond. Through pioneering collaborative solutions to global challenges, researchers are putting innovation, skills, and partnership at the heart of a sustainable economic recovery.
www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni