Business Incubation Programmes Officer

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it's sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you're surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

Background

The Science Technology and Facilities Councill (STFC) supports UK technology start-ups and SMEs through several Business Incubation activities.

STFC's Business Incubation Programmes support UK technology start-ups to build a new product or service and start selling it commercially. The programmes provide start-ups for 1-2 years, providing grant funding, commercial coaching and access to technical expertise and facilities at STFC and other public sector organisations. We have a thirteen-year record of success in running these programmes and have supported over 140 UK start-ups and the creation of over 1,000 highly-skilled jobs.

STFC runs six Incubation Programmes, each focused on one technology area (Space, Biotech, Quantum, Digital, Health tech and Applied Physics). These programmes operate across three UK sites in Harwell (Oxfordshire), Daresbury (Cheshire) and Edinburgh.

Incubation Programmes have been very successful and have grown in the last 2 years. We have ambitious plans to grow further in the next few years.

About the Role

This is a newly created role to support the team to run and expand our Incubation Programmes. You will be a key member of the Incubation Programmes team. The role is primarily focused on administration, contractual and financial support. The post holder will work primarily with the Operations team to support the delivery of the Incubation Programmes, but also with the Programmes Manager team.

The main duties of this role are to support the operation of Incubation Programmes through high-quality administration, financial processing, record keeping and reporting, and organising meetings.,

• Supporting the wider team with organising and conducting formal meetings including selection boards, stakeholder meetings, scheduling meetings, managing meeting logistics and taking minutes.


• Supporting the Operations and Manager Teams to organise meetings with incubated companies e.g., kick-offs, quarterly reviews, mid-term and final reviews. This will include maintaining a schedule of due dates, organising meetings, supporting pre-meeting documentation reviews.


• Record-keeping for incubated companies, including management of current and historical data, such as contracts, formal reports and minutes on STFC and external file storage systems.


• Supporting the financial processing for incubated companies, including setting-up companies on systems and processing of payments.


• Liaising with colleagues to set-up leases with new companies and end or migrate leases with graduating companies.


• Acting as a contact for BIC incubate companies at Harwell or Daresbury for matters relating to the business incubation programmes.


• Providing support to Senior Officers in day-to-day business operations.


• Other tasks as required on an ad hoc basis.
  
  (Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)



• Demonstrable skills and experience in administration and operations in a technical or commercial environment, and a proactive approach to resolving issues and driving improvements. (S)


• Experience of writing minutes of meetings and reports; experience of keeping accurate records with excellent attention to detail. (S&I)


• Experience of financial processes, including using setting-up companies on payment systems, procurement, raising purchase orders and invoices. (S&I)


• Good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate and work with multiple people in a team environment, as well as with external 'customers'. (S)


• Proficiency in using IT systems, web-based tools and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook. (S&I)


• Good scheduling and organisational skills. (I)


• Ability to multi-task, prioritise and meet deadlines. (I)


• Strong team working and collaboration skills, including good verbal and written communication skills with individuals at all levels of seniority. (I)


• Skills, experience and attitude to deliver continuous improvement i.e. to do the job well and plan to do it better. (I)


• Experience of using automation tools (e.g., Power Automate) and task-focused digital tools (e.g., room booking systems, contracts management software). (I)


Special Requirements

While the post will be based at one of two locations, there will be a requirement to travel to all three sites from time to time, (Daresbury, Harwell and Edinburgh). Ability to travel within the UK from time to time including overnight stays when necessary.

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating., UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits including a flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme., Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.