At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage research projects, funding applications, and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the vibrant Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days holiday, pension scheme, and subsidised catering.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in world-class research while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration within research or academic settings is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35681 - 41636 £ per year.
Grade 6: £35,681 - £41,636 per annum including the Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per annum. Fixed-term (2.5 years), full time (37.5 hours per week).
Saïd Business School is a vibrant, research‑led institution at the heart of the University of Oxford. We are committed to supporting world‑class research that addresses complex global challenges. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Research Programme Officer to oversee the administrative delivery of research projects, funding applications and compliance activities, ensuring excellence, efficiency and adherence to regulatory standards. This is a pivotal role responsible for managing the administrative infrastructure that underpins research activity.
You will work closely with academic staff, Principal Investigators, funding bodies and professional services teams to ensure research projects are delivered efficiently and in compliance with all relevant regulations. You will also supervise junior staff, coordinate operational activities and drive continuous improvement in administrative processes.
Key responsibilities:- Manage day‑to‑day administrative processes for research projects and funding applications.
- Coordinate meetings, events, travel and logistics related to research activity.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external partners, funding bodies and collaborators.
- Ensure research projects comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements (e.g. GDPR, funding body regulations).
- Oversee financial administration of research projects, including budget tracking and reporting.
You will have substantial administrative experience within a research or academic environment, with a proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritise competing demands and meet tight deadlines independently. You will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, particularly in record‑keeping, financial tracking and documentation, alongside strong interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
You must have the Right to Work within the UK as this position may not amount to enough points under the points‑based immigration system in the UK.
At Saïd Business School we believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Join us to build a brighter, more equitable future, where we celebrate diversity, advance equity, and nurture inclusion across everything we do.
We offer very generous benefits, some of which are:- Generous holiday allowance of 38 days including bank holidays.
- Membership of the Oxford staff pension scheme.
- Discounted bus travel.
- Subsidised onsite catering.
- Plus, many other University benefits.
All applications must include a CV, Supporting Statement/Cover Letter and Current Salary. The closing date for applications is Thursday 7 May noon. First interviews will likely be held online on Friday 15 May 2026. Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than advertised if we receive a high number of suitable applications.
Research Programme Officer employer: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Programme Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Saïd Business School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest projects at Saïd Business School. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the research they’re doing. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to project management and compliance. We want to see how you handle challenges and ensure everything runs smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Programme Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Programme Officer role. Highlight your administrative experience and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about research and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: In this role, you'll be working with various stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively in both your CV and cover letter. We love seeing candidates who can connect with others!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need to submit your CV, cover letter, and current salary there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the research projects that Saïd Business School is currently involved in. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, methodologies, and any recent publications. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your skills can contribute to their ongoing work.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Research Programme Officer, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex projects or coordinated multiple tasks. Be ready to explain how you prioritised competing demands and met tight deadlines, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a busy environment.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Brush up on relevant regulations such as GDPR and funding body requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you have ensured compliance in previous roles. This knowledge will be crucial in showing that you can handle the administrative responsibilities of the position effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your strong interpersonal skills to engage them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current projects and express your enthusiasm for collaborating with academic staff and funding bodies. This will leave a positive impression and highlight your team-oriented mindset.