At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic research initiatives and coordinate major biomedical data science programmes.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute, a leader in interdisciplinary research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and potential for part-time work.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across institutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing health data science and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate qualification in relevant fields and experience in coordinating research programmes.
The predicted salary is between 66608 - 66608 £ per year.
BDI Head of Strategic Research Development Oxford Population Health (Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford), Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LFUniversity of Oxford - Nuffield Department of Population Health BDI Head of Strategic Scientific Research Development Ref – 189681Grade 9: £57,721 - £66,608 per annum including Oxford Weighting Allowance 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.
We are seeking an experienced Big Data Institute (BDI) Head of Strategic Scientific Research to provide senior-level scientific coordination and strategic research support to advance the Institute's research mission.
Reporting to the BDI Director, the post holder will act as a trusted partner, supporting the implementation of strategic scientific priorities and working closely with departmental professional services teams across the University.
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, and 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 data sciences research institute.
To be considered for this role, you hold a post-graduate qualification, ideally a doctorate in biomedical data science, computational biology, epidemiology, statistics, genomics or another related field.
You will also have professional experience in a relevant research, academic or industry setting focused on one of the above thematic areas.
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.
Along with a high level of accuracy you will have strong analytical and communication skills and the ability to develop management information to support senior academic decision-making.
This is a full-time, fixed-term post for three years in the first instance.
Although fixed term in the first instance there is a possibility of the post being extended.
Part-time working will be considered.
The closing date for applications is noon on 24th November 2026 You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application.
The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.
Contact Person : NDPH Recruitment Vacancy ID : 189681Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 24-Nov-2026 12:00Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 9Contact Email : recruit@ndph. ox. ac. uk Salary (£) : 57721 - 66608
BDI Head of Strategic Research Development employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BDI Head of Strategic Research Development
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Oxford, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Oxford. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace BDI Head of Strategic Research Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Oxford. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Oxford. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Oxford. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Oxford to drive research projects forward.
