Assistant Director

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated individual to join the RGEA Team in the Research Services Department at the University of Oxford. Oxford is a world leader in research, engagement and innovation, tackling global challenges and solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The University also undertakes a significant volume of overseas clinical research, this includes research in the University’s Africa and Asia Programmes. As a member of the Joint Research Office, RGEA works in collaboration with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Oxford Brookes University.   The role of 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   The Assistant Director plays a pivotal role in the effective operational leadership of the RGEA Team. The successful candidate will have substantial experience and specialist knowledge to provide robust advice on research governance, in particular in a clinical research setting, and of operating in the context of national regulatory and ethical frameworks.   You will work closely with researchers, research support staff and administrators across the University, including University departments, internal ethics committees and Clinical Trials Units; and with colleagues in collaborating institutions and external organisations (including the Health Research Authority (HRA), HTA, NIHR and MHRA), to ensure that the University complies with applicable regulations and guidelines, whilst minimising the bureaucratic burden on researchers.   We are seeking an exceptional and enthusiastic individual with demonstrable experience of leading research support services, including framing service standards and objectives, the development and review of institutional policies and procedures, and a positive approach to continual improvement initiatives.   You will support the Director of RGEA in the leadership of the RGEA team and collaborate with senior colleagues  across Research Services, contributing to collective leadership, planning and continuous improvement of the department overall, and actively champion our values and commitments.   Based in Boundary Brook House, the team is currently working in a hybrid manner, with specific days each week spent in our main office blended with remote working where this supports individuals and the team to work effectively   Further particulars, including details of how to apply, can be obtained from the document below. If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Dr Ferdousi Chowdhury, (ferdousi.chowdhury@admin.ox.ac.uk).   Please upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.   Only applications received by no later than 12.00 noon on 29 February 2024 can be considered. Interviews will be held week commencing 18 March 2024.