UK Research and Innovation

This business administration apprenticeship focuses on supporting global astronomy and science projects by managing meeting logistics, coordinating international travel, and handling office purchase orders while earning a Level 6 qualification.Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.  As a science-driven, professional engineering organisation, we employ state-of-the-art technologies across all our products, including complex optical and infra-red detectors, vacuum-cryogenics, control electronics and software, for both astronomy and non-astronomy applications; and we manage collaborations with academic and industrial partners around the world.  Ready to take the first step into the world of business? Join us as a Business Administration Apprentice and build the skills that power modern organisations. Whether it's organising meetings, supporting teams, or streamlining processes, you’ll be at the heart of how things get done.   This is a brilliant opportunity to learn on the job while gaining a recognised qualification, all within a supportive team that values growth, initiative, and fresh thinking. If you're organised, eager to learn, and up for a challenge, we’d love to hear from you.    About an Apprenticeship at STFC We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.   You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.    Why join the Project Support Office Team at UK ATC? As we continue to develop our projects portfolio and processes, the Project Management Group at the UK ATC now seeks an exemplary Project Support Assistant to support the department and key stakeholders, by providing extensive administrative support to group leaders, project managers and project staffs where required.  The project support office provides support to BOTH the operation of UK ATC and the portfolio of exciting astronomy instrumentation projects.  Working flexibly within a small team you will gain hand-on experience of the practicalities of business administration in a busy, dynamic project office.  Qualifications gained   Business Administration SCQF Level 6    What you’ll learnBusiness Administration candidates have a broad range of activities with significant complexity, responsibility and autonomy. Mandatory units will cover:  Undertaking allocated work: Managing tasks efficiently and responsibly.  Communicating in a business environment: Professional written and verbal communication.  Managing own performance: Time management, goal setting, and self-evaluation  There are a wide range of optional units available to enhance this apprenticeship further, 4 of these will be chosen and are in direct relation to the work we do here at UKATC. Examples include:  Producing business documents Organising meetings and events Using IT systems and software Delivering customer service Maintaining records and information systems Supporting financial functions  Training provider Learning Delivery: Delivery is fully based within the work environment, consisting of 2-3 weekly meetings with the assessor which is a mixture of remote (MS Teams) meetings and in-person observations within the office.   What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities  Working with other Project Assistants your responsibilities could include:  Provide administrative support for a variety of project meetings, including management meetings. This involves preparing agendas, drafting papers, taking minutes, tracking action items and ensuring timely follow-up with action owners. There will also be an element of financial reporting where applicable. Build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels, both internally and externally, e.g.  all UKATC departments, the Public Engagement Team, onsite visitor centre and international stakeholders. Maintain and develop accurate records and documentation in accordance with internal processes standards. This will also involve running reports for the in-house management systems. Provide general administrative support as required, contributing to the smooth running of daily operations. Coordinate and manage travel arrangements (flights, accommodation, transport), ensuring cost-effective and safe options are selected in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Supporting shipping and receiving for projects, handling relevant paperwork. Supporting office procurement needs by raising purchase orders in conjunction with our Shared Business Service function.     You will be a proactive and organised person, used to managing your time and responsibilities with the upmost professionalism. Our work involves people working collaboratively on our site and across various UK and international institutes. Therefore, good interpersonal skills and clear communication are needed to work effectively while managing conflicting needs in a busy office environment.  Entry RequirementsThe below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).We are looking for the following:Mathematics at National 5 (S) English at National 5 (S) Computer literate. (S) Excellent communication skills. (S&I) Proactive, organised with good attention to detail. (S) Able to work well under pressure when there are tight deadlines (I) An awareness of basic health and safety (I)  Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I) Eligibility for SDS funding [student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland] - and you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.  Note: Funding is available for age 16-19, 20-24 or 25+   Important InformationTo complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes as detailed in the entry requirements above. For applicants sitting their exams in 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades at the point of application. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. Employee BenefitsYour salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).Flexible working hours.An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.Excellent learning and development opportunities.Cycle to work scheme.

Posted 4 days ago

This 18-to-21-month business administration apprenticeship focuses on supporting senior communications directors by managing diaries, organizing international travel, and coordinating team events while earning a Level 3 qualification.Are you highly organised, enjoy working with others, and have an interest in how senior leaders and teams operate? Join UKRI as an Executive Support Apprentice and develop key skills in administration, communication, and coordination within a central directorate.UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering an opportunity to join the External Affairs and Communications Private Office as an Executive Support Apprentice.This is a key role within a small, friendly, and high performing team at the heart of the directorate, providing direct support to senior leaders and contributing to the smooth running of the office while supporting the delivery of effective communications across UKRI. The apprenticeship offers a structured opportunity for someone organised and curious to develop strong professional skills in administration, communication, and coordination, with full support provided throughout to build experience, confidence, and an understanding of how a major public organisation operates. About The Department UK Research and Innovation is the largest public sector funder of research and innovation with an annual budget of over £8bn and includes 7 research councils. We invest taxpayer’s money into groundbreaking research and innovation to improve the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.The UKRI External Affairs and Communications Team is responsible for press office and social media, internal comms, creative content, international communications across UKRI. Our mission is to ensure UKRI communicates in a clear, engaging, and proactive way, connecting people to discoveries that matter to them. Show how UKRI invests public money wisely into research and innovation to improve lives, support livelihoods, and drive economic growth. About an Apprenticeship at UKRI With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll relish the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst making a real difference in your role. You will be able to develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.    We will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!     About the RoleAs a Private Office Administration Apprentice, you will:Support Deputy Directors of Communication by helping to manage their diaries and scheduling meetings, visits, and events.Work with Private Secretaries to help prepare senior leaders for their commitments and understand how to prioritise effectively.Arrange domestic and international travel, working with internal and external partners to identify the most efficient options.Help maintain the team’s SharePoint site, ensuring documents, processes, and resources are well organised and easy to find.Assist with risk management, corporate compliance, and directorate wide activities as needed.Contribute to planning and delivery of team events, including directorate Away Days.Support colleagues across the Private Office to ensure the team operates smoothly, professionally, and collaboratively. You’ll gain hands on experience in prioritisation, communication, professional judgement, and coordination, all essential skills for progressing within the Private Office. What You Will LearnThe apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with New College Swindon over 18–21 months. The first 15–18 months form the ‘practical period’, combining on- and off-the-job training with New College Swindon and UKRI to develop and apply the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship. This includes attendance at a blend of in-person and virtual facilitated workshops throughout the practical period.In the final 3 months of the apprenticeship, learners will undertake and lead a work-based improvement project, deliver a presentation on the project, complete a Knowledge Test, and take part in a professional discussion underpinned by a work-based portfolio as part of the End Point Assessment. What We Are Looking ForTo apply for this apprenticeship, you will need to demonstrate within your CV that you meet the following criteria. Evidence may be used from current or prior paid employment, voluntary roles or educational experiences.  Where indicated, this detail will be assessed at shortlisting (S), interview (I) or both (S&I). Essential:Minimum of two GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications) (S)Good written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through your application and interview (S&I)Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage changing demands (S&I)Ability to work proactively as part of a team, using initiative to solve problems and contribute to shared goals (S&I)IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook, Word and Teams (S)A demonstrable interest in the work of UKRI and the role of communications within the organisation (S&I) Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements To be eligible to be considered for the apprenticeship programme you must:Have evidence of 2 GCSE including Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills).Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprentice start date. Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject.  As part of our shortlisting process, we may be required to determine your eligibility to undertake the programme based on the information provided within your application.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.  BenefitsWe recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. Committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!A list of benefits below:An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.Flexible working options.

Posted 4 days ago

This two-year graduate program trains recent science graduates into skilled laboratory technicians by providing hands-on experience in biological research facilities and guiding them through an independent technical research project.Overview:The MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) has recently established a graduate programme designed to train and develop fresh science graduates into skilled laboratory technicians. Our 2026 graduate programme will offer aspiring scientists the opportunity to work within our Proteomics and Metabolomics research facilities to develop their technical expertise. In addition, the programme will support the professional development of successful applicants by providing a variety of growth opportunities, including conventions and workshops. Description of the Post:In Year 1, the post holder will be assigned to a research facility and work predominantly in that area to learn the methodologies and how the facility is managed. As the year progresses, the post holder will be given the opportunity to work with and in other research facilities to expand their knowledge and practical experience.In Year 2, the post holder will work on an independent research project within the facility to further develop their technical skills, as well as interact across other facilities to support LMS science outputs. The post holder will be involved in developing methods/protocols and in implementing methods or efficiency improvements that improve the Institute’s environmental sustainability. Working relationships: The post holder will report to the Heads of the Graduate Programme and to the Head of their hosting facility.Main duties To conduct research tasks and laboratory experiments relevant to the work of the hosting research facility.  To contribute to the work of the facility and outputs of LMS research groups. To pilot relevant techniques or adaptations that support environmental sustainability.Person SpecificationEducation / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application form): Essential:BSc in a biological science or related science area (2:1 or above), awarded in 2023 or later, or set to be awarded before August 2026Knowledge and experience (will be assessed from the application form and at the interview):Essential:Previous experience in a laboratory research environmentKnowledge of biology, computing, and standard molecular and cellular laboratory techniquesKnowledge of common software tools (Word, Excel, etc)Strong interest in medical, health, and experimental researchStrong interest in the research fields related to the hosting facilityPersonal skills / Behaviours / Qualities and competences (will be assessed at the interview):Essential:Ability to grasp new concepts quicklyAbility to follow protocols accurately and respect samples and dataAbility to be organised and work effectively to meet deadlinesDesirable:Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot techniquesAbility to train and support othersHighly motivated and highly committedEnthusiastic and keen to learnExcellent verbal and written communication skillsWilling to work in a team and be cooperativeWillingness to work with biological and clinical samples Other Details: Applications are welcome from candidates with BSc degrees in: biochemistry, biology, biomedical science, biotechnology, cellular biology, chemistry, computing, engineering, genetics, immunology, mathematics, microbiology, molecular biology, physics and physiology. This list is not exhaustive, so applications from candidates with other biological sciences degrees or degrees in related science areas will also be considered. 

Posted 4 days ago