Science Operations Administrator

Science Operations Administrator - Service Delivery Team

Reports to:

Service Delivery Manager

Contact term:

This is a full-time, permanent position on Crick terms and conditions of employment. This role has the potential to progress to a Science Operations Co-ordinator role after 12 months.

Working pattern:

Monday – Friday. The role is based in London, Kings Cross and is based on site 4 days a week with one day hybrid after induction.

About us

The Francis Crick Institute is Europe’s largest biomedical research institute under one roof. Our world-class scientists and staff collaborate on vital research to help prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, infectious diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. 

The Crick is a place for collaboration, innovation and exploration across many disciplines. A space where the brightest minds can pursue big and bold ideas and discover answers to crucial scientific questions. We support them in a dynamic environment which fosters excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, cutting-edge facilities, and a creative and curious culture. We’ve removed traditional boundaries of departments, divisions and disciplines and instead have an open approach that supports every researcher. This gives us the freedom to take risks and carry out high-quality, pioneering research. Creating a space for discovery without boundaries helps us to turn our science into benefits for human health and the economy. 

About the role

As a Science Operations Administrator, you will play a vital role in supporting the needs of the science at the Crick, using independent judgment and initiative to meet the evolving needs of the Institute. Working as part of a team, you will provide comprehensive administrative support across various scientific groups.

The role is essential in ensuring all scientists and science related teams receive the high-level administrative assistance they require in order to focus on their science. Reporting to the Service Delivery Manager, you will offer high-level administrative support to multiple research groups and science technology platforms (STPs), as well as specialist assistance when needed. You will collaborate closely with other departments and the broader Service Delivery team to ensure efficient operations.

Your main responsibilities will revolve around providing administrative support to scientific staff and labs. You will cover various administrative areas such as coordinating lab events, supporting with travel and expenses.

You will be joining a team of 20 Science Operations Administrators and Science Project Co-ordinators working across the Crick.

What you will be doing

As a Science Operations Administrator at the Crick, you will:

• Provide general administrative support to all laboratory-based staff
• Act as the first point of contact for staff queries, addressing them promptly and effectively
• Coordinate and arrange internal and external events (including seminars, laboratory meetings, special interest group meetings, etc.), including booking meeting rooms, equipment, preparing visitor itineraries, advertising events on internal and external platforms, and arrange reimbursements as necessary
• Organise domestic and overseas travel and accommodation and produce concise travel itineraries for Group Leaders & STP Leads and their visitors
• Oversee the processing and tracking of travel and expense claims in line with established policies, providing support for complex reimbursement cases
• Conduct administrative and floor inductions for new staff members joining the institute
• Support Group Leaders & STP Leads with recruitment tasks, including co-ordinating with HR, organising interviews, ensuring all documentation is submitted, and assisting with onboarding new staff

About you

You will bring

• A degree or equivalent experience
• Proven experience of providing high-level administrative support to a diverse team, of people, with the ability to adapt to operational needs within a research or lab environment
• Strong IT skills, inc. Microsoft Office packages, databases and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of seniority
• Extensive experience working in a sensitive and confidential environment
• High degree of flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and open-ended tasks
• Strong focus on process management, with the ability to adapt to evolving procedures and manage multiple process documents efficiently
• Excellent written communication skills

To see the complete Job Description click here for more info.

About Working at the Crick

Our values  

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Crick’s mission and shaping our culture! 

• We are bold. We make space for creative, dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. We’re not afraid to do things differently. 

• We are open. We’re highly collaborative and interactive, and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world. 

• We are collegial. We show respect for one another, work cooperatively and support the wider community. 

At the Francis Crick Institute, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their background, identity, or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them - just let us know when you apply. If you need assistance with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post) please email: [email protected]

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

What will you receive?  

At the Francis Crick Institute, we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development: 

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave, plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays. 
• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%. 

• Health & Well-being: 

• 24/7 GP consultation services. 

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs. 

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

• Back-up care for dependents. 

• Childcare support allowance. 

• Annual leave purchase options. 
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups’ support, community and inclusive social events.

• Perks: 

• Discounted gym memberships, bike-to-work scheme, and shopping discounts. 

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction. 

• Development & Recognition: Comprehensive training, mentoring, and a pay structure with performance-linked progression.