Centre Administrator

Role Description

The department

The UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) [SAINTS CDT (https://www.saints-cdt.ai/) ] is the UK’s only PhD training programme devoted to Safe AI, working in a truly interdisciplinary manner. With our portfolio of more than 35 industry partners contributing to this unique programme, the Centre ensures that a diverse new generation of PhD researchers will acquire excellent specialist and socio-technical knowledge, along with the transferrable skills they need to launch their careers in research, development, industry, policy, legislation, regulation and more.

The role

The Centre Administrator is a key role, working alongside an experienced CDT Manager to deliver the Centre’s day-to-day activities and support our postgraduate researchers (PGRs), and we are seeking a proactive and organised individual to join the team.

You will:

• work closely with the CDT Manager, the wider SAINTS leadership team, and colleagues in other parts of the university to ensure that the CDT is delivered as intended
• develop, maintain and refine processes and procedures to support the success of the CDT and ensure it is in line with UKRI and University of York expectations
• support the recruitment, retention and progression of five cohorts of PhD researchers on their 4-year PhD journey
• provide general and detailed advice and support to SAINTS PGRs and staff

In order to succeed, you will need to be forward thinking, organised, efficient, collaborative, highly literate and pay close attention to detail. A willingness to help, take the initiative, and maintain a professional and positive attitude will be essential.

You will be employed by the Department of Computer Science but working with colleagues across the university, and will be located in the new Institute for Safe Autonomy (https://www.york.ac.uk/safe-autonomy/) on the University of York’s Campus East.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Level 3 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include A levels. Please view the full list (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) ). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-uk qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience of developing and implementing detailed and robust processes and procedures
• Highly organised, proactive and committed to an excellent standard of work
• Good numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to track expenditure against a financial account/ budget
• Ability to prepare agendas, take and transcribe minutes, allocate and discharge actions.
• Competence in diary management, with the ability to plan and organise meetings
• Experience of using Google systems (sheets, docs, drive, calendar, mail, classroom etc)
• Excellent attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Excellent understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
• Excellent communication skills, appropriate to the role
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing and verbally, including the ability to write reports which identify recommendations and produce engaging copy
• A calm and approachable manner, with the ability to deal sensitively and confidentially with PGRs and remain calm and professional, particularly when dealing with PGRs in distress
• Experience of planning and organisation of internal and external events
• Ability to create content for newsletters and websites, ensuring visibility on social media, blogs and other tools used for communication

Interview date: 24 November 2025

For informal enquiries: please contact Helen Poyer on helen.poyer@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork