Sub-theme Executive Officer

THIS IS A READVERTISMENT, PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

About the role

We are looking for a Sub-theme Executive Officer to support one of our two Sub-themes in the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS). This is a new role, and is a great opportunity to be part of the next exciting phase of NDS. The Sub-theme Executive Officer will work alongside their counterpart supporting the other departmental sub-theme. One of the two roles will be based at the Old Road Campus Research building and the other will be based at the IDRM building as the normal place of work. You may be able to agree a pattern of occasional remote working with your line manager, but will be expected to spend a minimum of 3 days per week on-site. 

The Sub-theme Executive Officer will play a central role within the new Cancer Sciences/Surgical Sciences Theme of the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS), working closely with the Theme Lead to coordinate strategic and operational activities. This is a broad and proactive role requiring excellent organisational and communication skills, professional discretion, and the ability to work with senior academics, professional services, and external stakeholders. 

This role sits at the heart of the Theme’s operations and will suit a highly capable individual with experience in aiding academic leadership, research administration, and cross-institutional engagement. You will also provide mentorship and oversight to junior administrative staff working within the Theme and wider Department. 

About you

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience. We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels both verbally and in writing. High level of computer literacy, including MS Office and web-based systems, including Excel, Word, Ms Teams and Outlook is essential for this role. You will have significant administrative experience in a higher education or research setting, including managing and coordinating activities for a group of individuals. In addition, you will have highly developed problem solving and organisation skills to meet competing deadlines, with an ability to work pro-actively, with initiative and think critically to identify solutions to problems, as well as knowing when to refer issues to others. A familiarity with research grant processes and grant terminology and previous experience in a medical or clinical academic setting would be advantageous. 

This full-time post is available immediately & is permanent. Please note that this role is not sponsorable for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Application Process

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Nicky Iyer on 01865 617123 or nicky.iyer@nds.ox.ac.uk

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae & the names & contact details of two referees as part of your online application. Please quote reference NDSA969B on all correspondence. 

Only applications received before noon Monday 12^th January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews will be held in person on Monday 26^th January 2026.

Committed to equality & valuing diversity

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

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