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- Tasks: Support strategic planning and project management at a world-leading university.
- Company: Join the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division at the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects while collaborating with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and strong analytical skills; experience in project support is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on safety and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Tinsley Building, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA
About the role
You will be a key member of the strategic planning and projects team of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) at the University of Oxford. The team collaborates closely with senior leaders to shape the future direction of MPLS, supporting strategic planning, committees, risk management, and a range of activities aimed at keeping people and data safe and secure, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Many of the initiatives being taken forward by the team take the form of projects and programmes, which you will support by tracking progress, sending out communications, and gathering and analysing information. Committee support will take the form of preparing agendas, collating and distributing papers, and managing meeting logistics. You will maintain action trackers and forward plans, take notes, produce clear minutes, and help coordinate information on committee membership. You will also play a key role in providing administrative support for the Division’s safety activities, and supporting meetings and workshops arranged by the team, assisting with stakeholder engagement and communications materials. This is a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful, high-impact work within a supportive team at a world-leading university.
About MPLS
MPLS is one of four academic divisions at the University of Oxford. The MPLS Division is the umbrella body for nine departments, a doctoral training centre and a science park. It employs around 700 academic postholders, 1200 researchers, and 1000 professional services staff, and has around 7,000 students.
About you
You will be organised, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities, with the ability to bring clarity and structure to complex information. You will have a good honours degree or equivalent experience, ideally in a project support or higher education environment, along with strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail. You will be an excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of people. You will be able to handle sensitive information with tact and discretion, and demonstrate strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines. You will be confident using standard digital tools such as Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint, or willing to learn quickly, and will bring a flexible, solutions-focused approach to your work. Experience of supporting projects or servicing committees would be advantageous.
Application process
Queries about the post should be addressed to Karen Brill, Head of Strategic Planning and Projects, MPLS. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence, and will not form part of the selection decision. As part of the online application process, you should provide a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees. Only applications submitted online and received before noon on Monday, 13 April 2026, will be considered. In person interviews will take place in Oxford on Wednesday, 22 April 2026.
Governance and Project Officer employer: Burwell Help Group
Contact Detail:
Burwell Help Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance and Project Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Oxford, especially in the MPLS Division. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the MPLS Division's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves a lot of collaboration and committee support, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Try mock interviews with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the University of Oxford.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance and Project Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the selection criteria. Use specific examples to demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are key for the Governance and Project Officer role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight relevant experiences that showcase your project support skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Remember, we want to see how you can contribute to our team at MPLS, so make it relevant!
Be Professional but Authentic: While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively and work collaboratively, so show us who you are!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website before the deadline! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for this exciting opportunity with us at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burwell Help Group
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Governance and Project Officer. Familiarise yourself with the MPLS Division's structure and its strategic goals. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple priorities in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting your ability to bring clarity and structure to complex information.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since strong communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a few key points about your experience with committee support and stakeholder engagement to demonstrate your verbal communication prowess.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've gathered and analysed information in previous roles. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have contributed to project success or improved processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.