Administrative support

Britta - HR Coordinator

What do you enjoy most about working here?

– I enjoy meeting and working with so many different people. Since we have a large number of PhD students and postdocs, there are always new people joining the department. I get to meet new colleagues who are eager to make a difference through their research, which I find very inspiring. It also feels great to be part of a workplace where so much important and exciting research is being carried out.

When do you feel that your work makes a difference? 

I feel that I can make I difference when I get to work proactively – improving processes, making things clearer and creating good conditions for people to do their work. Through our work with the work environment, for example, we can help prevent people from becoming ill or injured because of their work. In the end, I want my work to contribute to a workplace where our researchers have the right conditions to focus on what they do best.

I also feel that my work makes a difference when I’m trusted to help when something isn’t working well, or when a colleague has been going through a difficult period and I get to be part of helping things turn around.

Simon - Communications officer

What do you enjoy most about working here?

– It may sound like a cliché, but it is genuinely true that no two days are the same. My work can involve anything from photography and writing, to developing strategies and support documents, managing internal and external web content, and then, suddenly, finding myself in a brand-new laboratory learning about infrastructure and the latest research projects. Quite simply, it is incredibly rewarding to be part of the professional services supporting research and education that help shape the future of society.

How would you describe the working culture here?

– From what I have seen so far, I get the impression that people support one another here. It really is a team effort, and everyone is helpful when you need it. That is not something you can take for granted in such a large workplace, but I move between many different groups, and everywhere I go I feel welcome.

What have you learned about chemistry working here?

– Pretty basic stuff, I guess, but I keep learing every day and that's the best part. I've gained a lot of insight into where in society we can initiate change, and that the research at the department is an important part of the transformation.

Rosita - Head of administration

What do you enjoy most about working here?
– What I enjoy most about working at the Department is the people, the dynamic environment and the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful.
Throughout my time at the university, in different roles, there have always been new situations, questions and challenges to deal with. This has allowed my work to continuously develop and evolve. I really enjoy the combination of things that are familiar and provide continuity, while at the same time there is always something new to learn, solve or improve. For me, that mix makes the work both interesting and rewarding.

How would you describe the atmosphere to someone considering a job here?
– We have a strong culture of collaboration within the administration, and we support each other in our work. It is an open and inclusive working environment, with a great team that genuinely enjoys working together. I believe this creates a positive environment for development, knowledge-sharing and new ideas. We are proud of our professional expertise and the contribution we make to the organisation, and we provide high-quality support to our colleagues and the research community.

How do you create a strong and supportive team?
– I work actively to create an open and supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. I believe that a strong team is built on trust, open communication and a willingness to support each other. We have regular meetings where we share what we are working on and learn from each other, as well as planning days and team-building activities that strengthen our team spirit. Creating a positive working environment where people can develop, share their expertise and take pride in what they do is something I value highly and work hard to maintain.