This role is a permanent position. 

 

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

 

The Research Strategy & Policy Unit in Research Services provides support for institutional research strategy and policy. This includes research strategy development and coordination, research evaluation and insight, research information, support for the University’s main research-related committees, management of strategic internal funding streams, and the development and coordination of institution-wide research policies.

 

The Unit works directly with and supports the agenda of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, as well as other research leaders in the academic divisions and their senior teams.

 

As Research Planning Lead, you will develop or coordinate strategic advice for the University’s senior leadership on fulfilling Oxford’s research ambitions for research and innovation, lead on institution-wide strategic projects, support committee decision-making, and manage internal funding schemes.

 

You will work in close coordination with senior colleagues in the Unit who lead teams in Research Evaluation, Research Information, and Research Practice.

 

What We Offer 

As an employer, we care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•             An excellent contributory pension scheme

•             38 days annual leave

•             A comprehensive range of childcare services

•             Family leave schemes

•             Cycle loan scheme

•             Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•             Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

 

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working.

 

About the Role 

The Research Planning Lead is a senior role in the Research Strategy & Policy Unit, and a member of the Unit’s leadership team. Main responsibilities include: guiding decision-making of the University’s Research and Innovation Committee; leading the design and delivery of institution-wide projects; and managing University-level funds and funding schemes. The post also provides or coordinates high-level advice on issues related to research as they develop in the external policy environment, including by giving executive support to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research.

 

About You 

You will have substantial experience in research administration and management; up-to-date knowledge of the external research policy environment; understanding of the University’s internal governance systems and deep knowledge of best practice in the management of funding streams for research; exceptional project-management skills, and the ability to influence and drive strategic decision-making, working across domains in partnership with others.

 

The role involves extensive liaison internally, especially with Divisional counterparts and colleagues in the Unit and in Research Services, and the ability to connect-up policy, strategy and the design and delivery of services to support research.

 

Application Process 

Please apply online by uploading a covering letter/supporting statement, a CV, and the details of two referees.

 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 30 October 2023. 

 

Interviews will take place in Oxford, mid-late October 2023.

 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Tanita Casci, Director, Research Strategy & Policy Unit (Tanita.Casci@admin.ox.ac.uk).