Postgraduate Research Manager

About the Job

Part time: 30 hours per week

Interview date: 5 June 2026

We are currently seeking a customer-focussed individual to lead the Postgraduate Research (PGR) administration team located in the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring high quality, accurate student administration for PGR students and staff. The PGR Manager ensures that services related to research degrees and research degree students are developed, managed and delivered to a high standard across the University and in particular within the Graduate School.

They also identify issues and innovative solutions, provide expert advice on PGR student matters, develop policies related to research degrees and oversee appropriate quality assurance and enhancement activities.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About you

We are looking to recruit an individual with:

• Demonstrable experience in administration in a higher education institute developing and working with HE policies and processes.
• Understanding of research degrees and experience of working in PGR administration.
• Experience of dealing with student related matters, e.g. student queries, complaints, appeals.
• Experience of leading the training and implementation of new procedures and processes.
• Experience in using student administration software packages and databases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with a variety of people, including students, staff and senior academics.
• Excellent written communication skills, e.g. ability to draft reports, minutes, procedures and policies.
• Ability to provide high quality, professional and effective customer service to a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree qualification or equivalent

Desirable:

• Postgraduate or professional qualification

Department

The Postgraduate Research administration team is part of the Graduate School, which is located in the Directorate of Research and Knowledge Exchange. It is based on the Waterside campus and provides support to students and staff.

The PGR admin team has a broad remit of providing effective and efficient administration for PGR student processes (enrolment, transfer, submission, examination) while focussing on providing a high-quality student experience. It supports Research Degrees Committee, Research Degree Boards, Research Ethics Committee and other institutional working groups, boards and committees.

The team works closely with all Faculties and Services across the University to champion PGR student matters.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON