Full job descriptionApprentice Receptionist and Administrative AssistantMedical Sciences Divisional Office, BioEscalator, Innovation Building, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7FZ OX
£26,686
This is an exciting opportunity to kickstart your career at the BioEscalator, the University of Oxford’s incubator for early-stage biomedical start-up companies. This role offers a fantastic pathway to develop essential skills, providing professional and high-quality customer service and administrative support within a collaborative team at the heart of Oxford’s thriving innovation community.
About the RoleAs an Apprentice Receptionist and Administration Assistant, you will be a key member of the BioEscalator team, managing reception and supporting the team’s administrative functions. You will gain hands-on experience in tasks such as handling enquiries, supporting financial processes and events and assisting with day-to-day operations.
*You will complete a Business Administrator level 3 Apprenticeship through Abingdon and Witney College, attending training sessions as part of a 1.5-year training programme within a 2-year contract.
*Based at the BioEscalator, this role places you at the centre of a vibrant community of start-ups, offering a unique environment to build valuable customer service and administrative skills.
*This is a full-time post (36.5 hours per week) and the core hours are 8.30am - 4pm with some flexibility with start and finish times.
What You Will DoFull training will be provided as part of the apprenticeship:
*Provide a professional welcome to all visitors and manage the day-to-day running of the reception.
*Organise room bookings, parking, manage access rights and coordinate diary activities.
*Support financial administration, including processing orders and maintaining office supplies.
*Assist with event preparation and provide support on the day to ensure smooth delivery.
*Help maintain up-to-date databases and general office organisation.
Who We’re Looking For*We seek motivated individuals with a passion for learning and a commitment to supporting others. Previous experience is not required - just a proactive and can-do attitude and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
Essential Skills:*GCSE-level literacy and numeracy skills (or equivalent).
*Good communication skills, both written and spoken.
*Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities.
*Proficiency with Office365, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
*A proactive and adaptive approach to problem-solving.
Desirable Skills:*Interest in supporting business operations in biomedical start-ups.
What We OfferAs an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
*38 days annual leave - including Bank holiday
*An excellent contributory pension scheme
*Employee Assistant Programme (EAP)
*A comprehensive range of childcare services
*Family leave schemes
*Cycle and electric car loan schemes
*Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans
*Childcare services
*Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
This apprenticeship offers full training, allowing you to build valuable skills while working towards a qualification. If you’re ready to make a difference and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, we encourage you to apply!
How to applyAll applications are made through the Find an Apprenticeship website. HERE [add the link when the training provider shares it]
Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please ensure you explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the apprenticeship using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, extra-curricular activities, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants).
Once you have submitted your application, it will be screened by the training provider for the apprenticeship. If you pass their initial assessment, you will be asked to complete further eligibility screening and may be required to submit a CV. Please keep an eye out on your emails and check your junk/spam emails regularly.
Please note: It is not possible to apply for this position via the University website.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 30th November 2026.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 19th January 2027 and will be held face-to-face at the BioEscalator - Innovation Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford.
Join Us We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds to grow their career in administration and digital support.
Generative AI (GenAI), including tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and Gemini, can produce human-like content and assist at various stages of your job application. These tools can be incredibly helpful when searching for and preparing for a new role, but it’s important to use them in the right way. While they can assist, they should complement, not replace, your personal effort in your application. Remember, we want to get to know you as a candidate!