Centre Administrator - SAINTS Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI

Role Description

The department

The UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe Artificial Intelligence Systems (SAINTS) [SAINTS CDT] is the UK’s only CDT devoted to Safe AI, working in a truly interdisciplinary manner. With our portfolio of more than 35 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.

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 on the University of York’s Campus East.

The role

The Centre Administrator is a key role, working alongside the 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. SAINTS is committed to team-based research, which is significantly different to usual PhD research, and which will require flexible and pragmatic administrative support, along with a willingness to apply your skills and experience to new ways of working. 

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

Working as part of an effective and friendly team, you will report to the Centre Manager, and will work closely with the CDT Director and Director of Operations, as well as other colleagues who have part of their time allocated to SAINTS. 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.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Level 3 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include A levels. Please view the full list). 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
• Excels and flourishes in a highly responsible supporting role and takes pride in doing so
• 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, 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
• 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: 13 October 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