Overview
Job Title: Research and Programme Assistant
Application Closing Date: Sunday, 17 May 2026
School of Social Sciences and Humanities Geography and Environment Research and Programme Assistant Full-time and fixed term until 31st March 2027*. Hybrid: 2 days in the office and 3 days remote Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University. Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for: The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme is seeking an organised and pro-active individual to join their team. MECS is a £99 million programme funded by UKAid through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, led by Loughborough University. The key purpose of the role is to work specifically alongside the Programme Director, supporting him on a task and finish basis. The post holder will also engage with partners from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries. The post holder must be willing and able to travel overseas for extended periods of time (up to 3 weeks), multiple times per year. If you are an organised, pro-active individual, with excellent communication skills, this is a great opportunity to join our team and to gain experience of working in a large scale, international research programme. * The post is confirmed to 31st March 2027, with a high likelihood of further extension to 31st March 2028 (subject to confirmation of future funding). About the University Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better. About the Department MECS sits within the Geography and Environment department in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and inclusive School delivering excellence in learning and teaching, research, and enterprise across the Social Sciences and Humanities. Inter-disciplinarity and international encounters are fostered across six departments Environment; International Relations, Politics and History and Law. Geography and Environment is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and is has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. Geography and Environment is internationally recognised for its research in geographies of children, youth and families. About You You’ll be highly organised, able to work on and prioritise multiple tasks at once. You’ll be passionate about the role that research and evidence can play in shaping some of the biggest challenges facing the planet. You’ll be approachable and eager to learn from others within the team and across the sector. Staff from under-represented groups in higher education and the discipline, including those from racialised minorities, who have a physical or invisible disability, or are neurodivergent, are particularly encouraged to apply. The University is a Disability Confident employer, a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion Scheme and holds Race Equality Charter and Athena SWAN bronze awards. Why should you Apply? With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Louise Medland, via email to L.S.Medland@lboro.ac.uk. For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. Application Process For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact ssh.hr@lboro.ac.uk. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job. Our Benefits At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include: Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme. Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Financial Wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities. Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support. Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting. Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University. Closing Date: Sunday, 17th May Interview Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
