The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Early Career Researcher Network Assistant to join the busy ECRN team in the Research Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of the Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN).

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Head of ECRN, the post holder will provide core administrative and coordination support for the Early Career Research Network (ECRN), ensuring the smooth running of its operations, events, and communications. Working closely with the colleagues in the team, they will help establish effective systems and processes that underpin the Network’s growth and delivery. The role involves regular interaction with researchers, universities, Academy Fellows, and colleagues across the Academy, requiring excellent organisation, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

They will be responsible for managing the ECRN inbox, supporting internal reporting, maintaining financial and administrative records, and ensuring timely information flow across teams. A key part of the role will be supporting the planning and delivery of the ECRN’s programme of online and in‑person events, including the biannual ECRN Forum, by liaising with venues, coordinating logistics, preparing papers, and providing on‑the‑day support. The post holder will also work with communications colleagues to help promote ECRN activities, including the Network’s podcast.

This is a varied and collaborative role, ideal for someone who enjoys building efficient processes, supporting events, and contributing to a programme that strengthens opportunities for early career researchers.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administrative Support for the ECRN Team

• Establish and deliver administrative systems and processes for ECRN reporting, internally and externally.

• Monitor emails received via the ECRN inbox from researchers, universities, Academy Fellows and others, prepare and lead on timely and appropriate responses, seeking advice from colleagues where necessary.

• Engage with internal stakeholders and disseminate key information, ensuring effective communication about the Network and its activities are shared across the team and with wider staff.

• Book travel and accommodation for internal and external stakeholders 

• Book meeting rooms for internal meetings

• Take meeting minutes during internal and external meetings

• Update and manage internal financial spreadsheets.

• Raise purchase orders and process invoices and expenses using the internal finance system.

 2. ECRN Events/Programme Support

• Support with planning, promotion, and hosting of the ECRN programme online and in person events.

• Liaise with external venues to book spaces for ECRN events.

• Manage the scheduling and support the organisation of the ECRN Forum in May and November each year, including preparing and managing the circulation of meetings papers.

• Host and provide technical support for online events where necessary.  

• Liaise with communications colleagues to support the delivery and promotion of the ECRN podcast.

Key Stakeholders

Internal

Members of Staff and Fellows of the British Academy

External 

Early Career Researchers, University Partners, Learned Societies, Travel booking company, Event venues

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Displays a positive and professional working attitude

• Demonstrates respect, empathy and patience when dealing with internal and external stakeholders

• Knows when to lead and when to follow directives and support others in tasks

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Actively demonstrates the willingness to strengthen any pre-existing higher education sector knowledge

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate 

• Is willing to contribute to team discussion and put forward ideas for improvements

• Can follow instructions to accurately complete tasks, demonstrating attention to detail

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Displays resilience in coping with workload during busy periods

• Takes pride in tasks and ensures tasks are completed to a high standard

• Is highly organised with excellent time management skills

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed with effective communication 

• Takes ownership of tasks and knows when to escalate 

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Is flexible and adaptable when it comes to ensuring tasks are carried out effectively and efficiently

• Has a pro-active, can do, attitude, taking personal responsibility whilst knowing when to ask for advice and/or escalate

• Focuses on solutions and works openly   

• Displays confidence and motivation in behaviour and duties

WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

Please note that applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. copied from ChatGPT, will be identified by the hiring team and may not progress to the next stage.

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on 7 May 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for 21 May 2026 but this may be subject to change.