Main Purpose of the Job

Coordinate QIB’s Athena Swan application to AdvanceHE. The successful candidate will coordinate the Athena Swan self-assessment team and project manage the submission process. They will work closely with the Athena Swan academic lead. The postholder will become familiar with best-practice in the field, integrate data from the previous submission and action plan, and lead the development of the new Athena Swan application.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in preparing Athena Swan submissions, have a strong project management background and excellent communication skills. The candidate will work well independently while interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders within the institute, including students, research scientists, core support staff and group leaders. The role will be embedded in the People and Talent pillar.

Key Relationships

The postholder will be line managed by Evelien Adriaenssens and report through the People and Talent Pillar. 

Reporting to the People and Tallent Pillar EDI co-lead. This role will also work closely with QIB Executive Board Members and staff at all levels, particularly members of the AS SAT. Frequent communication with HR and Finance staff will be necessary.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Conduct data collection, analysis and interpretation. Use findings to inform action plan with senior management.

30

Co-coordinate the submission drafting process: collating material, providing text or commenting on draft material.

30

Develop an approach for data presentation utilising: tables, figures and diagrams.

10

Gathering and collating lessons learnt from other UK Institutions.

10

Become fully conversant with the Athena Swan process and requirements.

5

Coordinate the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team.

5

Set milestones and timescales for the project and monitor delivery. 

5

As agreed with People & Talent Pillar co-leads, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role.

5

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Postgraduate degree in a QIB-relevant discipline

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Working knowledge of project management productivity tools and principles

Essential

Ability to work in a fast paced environment with disciplined delivery

Essential

Data analysis and visualisation with Excel or R

Essential

Proficiency in project management productivity tools

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of managing Athena Swan submissions

Essential

Experience of coordinating self-assessment teams

Essential

Track record in scientific writing including progress report writing

Essential

Experience of research areas relevant to QIB

Desirable

Experienced in taking minutes of scientific discussions

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Able to work independently

Essential

Able to work effectively in a team

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Excellent negotiation skills and able to deal with difficult situations

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to work outside standing working hours as required

Essential

Willingness to embrace the values of the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

For more information about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience, please click here.

Department

Directorate

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Athena Swan Project Coordinator
Applications are invited for an Athena Swan Project Coordinator to join the Quadram Institute Bioscience, based in Norwich, UK.

The role:

After being awarded Athena Swan Bronze in 2022, QIB is preparing for a renewal application. 

We are looking for an individual to take a lead role in preparing for an Athena Swan submission in late 2026.  The successful applicant will have a passion for promoting the equalities agenda in the scientific sector and will have substantial previous expertise in developing Athena Swan applications.

To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate:
• the ability to lead a team
• outstanding communication skills
• and project management skills

This is an exciting opportunity to advance our Athena Swan submission and our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will coordinate the Athena Swan self-assessment team and project manage the submission process. They will work closely with the Athena Swan academic lead. The postholder will become familiar with best-practice in the field, integrate data from the previous submission and action plan, and lead the development of the new Athena Swan application.

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in preparing Athena Swan submissions, have a strong project management background and excellent communication skills. The candidate will work well independently while interacting with a wide variety of stakeholders within the institute, including students, research scientists, core support staff and group leaders.

Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £45,450 to £56,750 pro rata per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a part-time post for a contract of 10 months.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is a new interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. A partnership between Quadram Institute Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and BBSRC, it brings together scientists and clinicians in a state-of-the-art building on the Norwich Research Park. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 6th April 2026.

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.