Senior Assistant to Head of School

Closing date for applications: 19th March 2026

About The Team

SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences (SVMB), the first new School of Veterinary Medicine in Scotland for 150 years, was founded on the organisation’s established, high‑profile expertise across this sector.

SVMB is a natural evolution of SRUC’s established, interprofessional and highly acclaimed expertise in Veterinary and Animal Biosciences. In combination with our unique reach into the Scottish sector, we will drive excellence. Our collegiate approach will facilitate synergies, addressing skills, knowledge and enterprise gaps across the breadth of this sector – providing essential support to Scotland’s Natural Economy.

Wayne Powell, SRUC Principal and CEO affirms that, “this is a ground‑breaking model to expand access to educational opportunities and broaden the range of potential students who would not ordinarily be able to attend a School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences. It is also the first to offer a tertiary range of educational opportunities for veterinary professionals and in the related animal sciences.”

The Opportunity

We are seeking a highly capable Senior Assistant to the Head of School to provide outstanding strategic and executive support at the heart of our organisation.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Head of School to ensure they are equipped with the insight, information and support needed to lead effectively. You will manage a dynamic office environment, oversee key business processes, coordinate high‑level meetings and engagements, and act as a trusted advisor on emerging issues and priorities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive, relationship‑focused professional who enjoys variety, responsibility and working with senior stakeholders. You will use your research, analytical and communication skills to prepare briefings, reports and presentations, support key decision‑making, and represent the Head of School in interactions with partners, colleagues and external organisations.

For full person specification, please read the Job Particulars document.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must be educated to SCQF Level 9 (degree level) in a relevant discipline such as Genetics, Life Sciences, Agriculture, or a related scientific field. Applicants with qualifications in Business Management or an MBA will also be considered.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

Admin ref: ANF/SVM/037/26

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC . Registered in Scotland No SC

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