Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR) at the University of Cambridge as Executive Manager, providing maternity cover for the current postholder.

About the Role

This is a senior administrative role supporting the Director of the Centre and providing strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of activities. This varied role offers the chance to work at the heart of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research centre.


You will coordinate key processes related to governance, recruitment, communications, events, and HR, and act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.


Key responsibilities include:


Acting as Secretary to the Loke CTR Board of Managers and Scientific Advisory Board, preparing agendas, drafting papers, producing minutes, and tracking follow-up actions. Leading HR processes for Loke CTR-funded PhD studentships and Next Generation Fellowships, including advertising, coordinating interviews, and liaising with supervisors, funders, and HR. Managing the day-to-day operations of the Centre, including staff line management, budgeting, team meetings, and supporting efficient internal processes and inductions. Overseeing the work of the Loke CTR Events and Communications Administrator, including visitor support and internal communications. Supporting academic events and public engagement activities including seminars, conferences, and the Loke CTR Annual Meeting. Financial and governance responsibilities, including managing expenses and consumables, and maintaining accurate records in line with University policies. Providing support for strategic development of the Loke CTR, including coordinating funding applications and contributing to the Centre's long-term financial sustainability. Managing use of office space, coordinating refurbishments, and liaising with departmental administrators.

About You

We are looking for a well-organised, proactive and collaborative individual with experience in academic administration or research management. You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently across a diverse range of responsibilities. Previous experience in a Cambridge department or a similar university environment is desirable.


This role is ideally suited to someone with experience in Cambridge administration who is looking to broaden their operational leadership skills in a supportive environment. The role would also suit a recent PhD graduate looking to gain strategic operations and project management experience in a research environment.

About us

The Loke CTR, based in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN), is an internationally recognized centre of excellence committed to advancing the scientific study of the placenta, early development, and maternal-fetal interactions. The Centre is a vibrant, interdisciplinary hub that brings together over 30 research groups across the University.


The core staff team, based in PDN, consists of six people, including the Executive Manager, Events and Communications Administrator, Licensing Coordinator, and Technicians with key support from the departmental Finance, HR and Student Administration teams.

Working Arrangements

The post is offered full-time, though applications from those wishing to work 0.8 FTE or in a job-share will be considered. The role is largely office based but we offer the flexibility of some hybrid working once induction is complete and would be happy to discuss this as part of the interview process. A detailed handover period is planned with overlap with the current postholder.


Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.


To apply online, click the 'Apply' button on the University jobs portal. Please ensure that you upload a curriculum vitae and cover letter indicating how you would contribute to the responsibilities of the post.


References will be requested from candidates after interviews.


If you are currently employed by the University of Cambridge and would like to apply on the basis of a secondment, please discuss this with your line manager and apply via the University jobs portal. In your application, outline your suitability and what you hope to gain from the secondment.

Find out more

For informal enquiries, please contact Erin Slatery at execmgr.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.


Please quote reference PM46199 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.


The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.


The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.