Executive Assistant to the Director: Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between children and young people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early in life. The Executive Assistant will be a core member of the centre administrative team, managing the administrative office for the Director, Professor Cathy Creswell.

About the Role

The post is funded to 30 September 2030 and is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building. The post is full time; however, consideration would be given to candidates wishing to work part-time on a pro rata basis (minimum 80% FTE)

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time is 3 days/week for a full-time post.

This is a new post work working closely with the research centre Director, the Head of Operations and Engagement, the centre Business Manager, the wider research centre leadership team, and administrative colleagues within the research centre and wider departments. The post will focus on supporting the Director in managing their responsibilities and on the wider culture/ethos of the full centre team. 

You will be the first point of contact, managing a range of enquiries, using judgement and discretion in passing these on to other team members as appropriate, while maintaining confidentiality. You will devise and implement office administrative systems and procedures to support the effective running of the centre. You will provide EA support to the Director including support with meetings (e.g. agendas, minutes), diary management and support with complex travel arrangements (including visas).

About You

You will have experience of managing the office of a senior member of staff, and of working a fast-paced office administration environment, taking the lead on complex administration tasks. With excellent communication skills, both written and verbal including a professional email manner you will be able to produce well-presented reports and be able to carry out financial processes. Experience of providing administrative support to a large team would be desirable as would experience of working in an academic/research /medical environment.  

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams  and initiatives including our values and behaviours framework,  work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday 22 September 2025

Interviews will take place on 7 October 2025 in the Life and Mind Building and will be in person

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