Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and handle sensitive information with discretion.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 78000 £ 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 (karen.brill@mpls.ox.ac.uk). 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.
Contact Person: Karen Brill
Pay Scale: STANDARD GRADE 6
Contact Email: karen.brill@mpls.ox.ac.uk
Governance and Project Officer in Oxford 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 in Oxford
✨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 genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their strategic planning efforts.
✨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 from the competition.
✨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 in Oxford
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 and committee servicing skills. Remember, we want to see how you can contribute to our team at MPLS, so make those connections clear!
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!
Submit Your Application Online: Make sure to apply through our website before the deadline! Double-check that all your documents are included and formatted correctly. We can’t wait to see your application, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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. Highlight your experience with tracking progress on projects, preparing agendas, and managing meeting logistics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an excellent communicator, you’ll need to demonstrate this during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you handle sensitive information and engage with various stakeholders effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Since the role requires proficiency in tools like Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint, brush up on these applications before the interview. If you're not already familiar with them, consider taking a quick online course or tutorial to boost your confidence.