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- Tasks: Lead a team in research governance, ethics, and assurance at a world-renowned university.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a hub for innovation and global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, flexible working, and a generous family leave scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in research ethics while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in research governance and exceptional leadership abilities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The University of Oxford is seeking an exceptional Director of Research Governance, Ethics & Assurance to lead a key professional services team supporting the University’s Research and Innovation mission.
Location: Boundary Brook House, Churchill Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7GB
Salary: ALC6 Competitive
Contract: Full Time Permanent
About Us
The University of Oxford is a globally renowned centre for teaching, research and innovation. Working here means joining a vibrant, cosmopolitan community dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. Oxford's rich history and commitment to research and innovation make it an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth.
Research Services is part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division and works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, and faculties. It has a broad remit to support the University’s researchers by providing expertise, strategic insight, research funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and innovation and engagement initiatives.
The department's work is guided by the following core values:
- Collaboration - We work in successful partnership with colleagues across the University and beyond. Our relationships are built on clear communication, shared goals, flexibility, and mutual respect.
- Excellence - Through innovation, investment and continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of our professional services, we are committed to providing outstanding support and trusted expertise.
- Inclusion - We create an environment where everyone can succeed. We celebrate and promote diversity and equality, and listen to everyone equally.
- Integrity - We act with openness, honesty, and courage. We challenge ourselves and encourage the same in others.
The role of the Research Governance Ethics and Assurance team (RGEA) is to provide expert advice and guidance on regulatory and compliance matters to the extensive portfolio of research involving human participants. Our work is incredibly diverse and extends across several functions including sponsorship review for submissions to external bodies (including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NHS research ethics committees), Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licenses, risk and insurance, clinical and non-clinical research ethics advice and management of the University’s internal ethics review committees which covers an exceptionally broad range of disciplines and has a strong interdisciplinary character.
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
As Director, you will provide exemplary leadership to RGEA and ensure the ongoing development and delivery of outstanding research support services in the area of research governance, including facilitating compliance with national and international regulatory frameworks, delivering a robust auditing schedule and supporting external audits, research sponsorship reviews and approvals, research ethics, human tissue governance, and research insurance.
As a member of the Research Services leadership team, you will contribute strongly and actively to the effective management, development and success of the overall department and our talented and committed people, and will champion the Research Services values of collaboration, excellence, inclusion and integrity.
About You
You will bring to this senior role substantial experience and a track record of achievement and leadership in delivering outstanding research governance support services and of facilitating the undertaking of research involving human participants in line with regulatory, ethical and academic frameworks. You will be an exceptional leader and manager, with a deep commitment to supporting and developing colleagues to succeed.
Sponsorship and Right to Work
This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.
Application Process
To apply, please upload:
- A covering letter/supporting statement
- Your CV
- The details of two referees
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 25th February. Interviews will take place w/c 9th March, and will be held face-to-face.
Director - Research Governance Ethics and Assurance employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Research Governance Ethics and Assurance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Oxford on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the University’s values: collaboration, excellence, inclusion, and integrity. We want to demonstrate how our experiences align with these principles during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing our leadership experience in research governance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Research Governance Ethics and Assurance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role. We want to see your passion for research governance and ethics, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Director position. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit for our team at Oxford.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or projects in the past. We want to know how you inspire and develop others!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of research governance, ethics, and assurance. Brush up on relevant regulations and frameworks, especially those related to human participants. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in research settings. Highlight how you foster collaboration and inclusion within your team.
✨Align with Their Values
The University of Oxford values collaboration, excellence, inclusion, and integrity. Think about how your personal values align with these and be ready to discuss specific instances where you've embodied these principles in your work.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Research Governance Ethics and Assurance team's current challenges and future goals. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to their mission.
