Research Development & Support Officer

Main activities and responsibilities 1. Work in partnership with Faculty-based academic and research staff to maximise the quality of service to, and the student experience of, PGRs studying for the doctoral qualification. 2. Provide PGRs with a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful primary point of contact for all administrative matters relating to their doctoral studies. 3. Provide expert advice on University academic regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to doctoral study directly to students and a wide range of academic and professional services colleagues. 4. Ensure that operations and activities relating to PGR students comply with University academic regulations, policies and procedures and relevant external regulations, policies, best-practice guidelines, concordats and funder specific requirements relevant to PGR and doctoral training programmes. 5. Liaise with professional services teams including Academic Services; Finance; Human Resources; International Office; IT and payroll to resolve matters for individual PGRs 6. Liaise with the central Research Hub team on matters relating to funding of fees and/or stipends for doctoral students. 7. Utilise the student records system (SITS) to maintain accurate student records for PGR students 8. Work with supervisors to arrange supervision meetings for PGRs and ensure that supervision logs are maintained and updated. 9. Provide professional and effective secretarial support for the Faculty Research Committees and ensure all committee records are maintained accurately and up-to-date. Provide support to other research committees, sub-committees, working groups, task and finish groups etc. as needed. Ensure the preparation of agendas, minutes and committee papers and dissemination of decisions guiding administrative support staff, committee / group members and chairs as appropriate. 10. Implement and maintain effective systems and processes within Faculties in order to collate and report on all data relating to doctoral student studies, progression and awards 11. Provide guidance to Doctoral Research College Administrators including training on the use of SITS and other systems. 12. Co-ordinate and share best practice in doctoral education across the University ensuring compliance with internal and external quality requirements. Additional Key Requirements: Managing People and Resources Provide general guidance and training for Doctoral Research College Administrators Communication Communicate detailed, sometimes complex information to a wide range of colleagues including providing clear and accurate interpretation of University regulations. Confidently challenge areas of non-compliance with agreed University standards and University regulations. Produce high quality written work such as reports from programme approval events. Teamwork and collaborative working Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure skilled, responsive and effective Doctoral Research College services are provided for the University. Act as key Faculty co-ordinator for PGR student support and best practice whilst maintaining strong relationships through the central Research Hub. Initiative, problem solving and decision making Provide expert advice on external and University regulations, policies and procedures to students, colleagues and other contacts. Identify and take forward opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of PGR administration. Influence Faculty, and on occasion, University decisions through participating in relevant committees, working groups and other forums. Work environment Be aware of the risks in the work environment and impact on own work. Person Specification * Educated to first degree level or able to demonstrate a combination of professional qualifications, skills and experience at an equivalent level. * Experience of student administration in the UK higher education sector ideally with prior experience of PGRs * Experience of working in a matrix management structure. * Excellent IT skills including MS Office and experience of using a student records system or similar, ideally SITS. * Good written and verbal communication skills. * Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively * Good interpersonal skills. * Excellent attention to detail with experience of maintaining complex records accurately * Ability to understand and synthesise complex regulations and policies, explain them to others and use sound judgement in interpreting and applying them. Special requirements There is a requirement to work at any University campus and DRCOs are expected to spend time working both in Faculties and in the Research Hub. Postholders should be able to travel to meet academic and professional services staff at their own place of work. There is a requirement for additional travel to attend briefing events and conferences in the UK and EU related to doctoral study. This may require overnight stays.

Full Time: 37 hours 4 Month Post Until 3rd Dec

Based at City South (Edgbaston Campus) and City Centre Campuses