At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and coordinate major research programmes in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a leading interdisciplinary biomedical research institute with a focus on impactful research.
- Benefits: Full-time role with flexible hours, professional development, and a chance to shape health data science.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive research community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health research while working with top professionals in the field.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or equivalent experience in strategic operational planning and research coordination.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Reporting to the BDI Director, the post holder will work within a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment, leveraging large-scale proteomic, transcriptomic, and perturbational datasets to build predictive and interpretable models of biological systems. We are seeking an experienced Head of Scientific Operations to help translate the Institute's academic vision into effective operational delivery.
The role combines strategic implementation with operational leadership. Responsibilities include:
- Coordinating major research programmes and partnerships
- Supporting training initiatives such as the Oxford EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Health Data Science
- Leading communications and events activity
- Contributing to operational and financial planning
Working with departmental finance and research support teams, the post holder will also support reporting, performance monitoring and long-term planning for shared resources such as the Biomedical Computing Facility. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of a leading interdisciplinary biomedical research institute.
To be considered for this role, you will be educated to degree level or have equivalent professional experience, with demonstrable experience in strategic operational planning and delivery of complex, multi-partner research programmes. You will have experience coordinating externally funded research programmes and supporting multi-institutional or public-private collaborations, as well as experience contributing to financial oversight and business planning. Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop management information to support senior academic decision-making are essential.
The position is full time (although part time considered) and fixed term for 3 years. The closing date for applications is noon on 27 March 2026.
Oxford Population Health (the Nuffield Department of Population Health) provides an excellent environment for multi-disciplinary research and teaching and for professional and support staff. We work together to answer some of the most important questions about the causes, prevention and treatment of disease.
BDI Head of Scientific Operations employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BDI Head of Scientific Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the BDI or similar research environments. Attend events, webinars, and conferences to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience in strategic operational planning and complex research programmes. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to be posted. Reach out directly to the BDI or similar institutions to express your interest and inquire about potential opportunities. We love seeing enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the exciting work we do.
We think you need these skills to ace BDI Head of Scientific Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic operational planning and complex research programmes. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at StudySmarter!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your analytical skills and experience with financial oversight. We’re looking for someone who can support senior academic decision-making, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in proteomics, transcriptomics, and biological systems. Being able to discuss recent advancements or relevant research will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led complex research programmes or collaborations in the past. Highlight your experience in strategic operational planning and how you've navigated challenges to achieve results.
✨Understand the Institute's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the academic vision of the BDI and think about how your role as Head of Scientific Operations can help translate that into effective operational delivery. This will demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since financial oversight is key, be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, reporting, and performance monitoring. Bring examples of how you've contributed to financial planning in previous roles to showcase your analytical skills.