Communications and Engagement Officer

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Engagement Team within the Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG) in the Department of Paediatrics as our Public Involvement and Engagement Officer.

You will play an important role in the contribution of ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of patients, participants, and the public are embedded across research and engagement activities, as well as promoting our research regionally and nationally.

You will be responsible for implementing our public engagement strategy and acting as the main point of contact for our public contributors group. You will also support our clinical trial study recruitment and contribute to wider engagement efforts, for example, by planning and executing public engagement or community outreach events. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Vaccine Knowledge website – OVG’s vaccine communication platform.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31 March 2026, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. Part-time applications may be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.

In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

You will either be educated to degree level in a relevant area, OR, have relevant work experience in the areas of public engagement, patient involvement in research, or other relevant experience in a higher education setting.

You will possess experience of working with, and presenting to, members of the public with diverse interests, and an understanding of the public sensitivities around vaccination and/or clinical research. You must be a self-directed thinker with the capacity to problem-solve and to take initiative, set priorities, and exercise good judgment in an organised and professional manner.

You will also have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of staff, and the public, and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and varying research environment.

Application Process

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. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 20 June 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Advert information