Public Involvement and Engagement Manager

Location: Oxford Vaccine Group, Churchill Hospital, Oxford

About the role

The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), within the University of Oxford’s Department of Paediatrics, is seeking to appoint a creative and organised Public Involvement and Engagement Manager to manage and carry out the portfolio of engagement activities at OVG.  

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in shaping how science connects with society. You will ensure that the voices and lived experiences of participants and the wider public are embedded across OVG’s research portfolio, from the earliest stages of study design through to sharing results and impact. 

The post holder will develop, deliver, and evaluate innovative public involvement and engagement activities that help to strengthen trust, inclusion, and understanding around vaccine research. You will work closely with OVG researchers, clinical trial teams, external partners, and alongside the wider communication and engagement team to create inspiring and accessible engagement initiatives and materials. 

This role involves oversight of OVG’s Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group (PPIE), working with our public contributors, coordinating events, producing reports, and supporting outreach activities, including writing content for the Vaccine Knowledge web

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. The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world-leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry, government and charitable organisations. 

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for two years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. Part-time applications may be considered (with a minimum of 30 weekly hours). The postholder is expected to work on site 2–3 days a week.

About you 

You will hold a relevant degree, or have equivalent experience, and have demonstrable experience developing and delivering public involvement or engagement initiatives, ideally within a research, healthcare, or higher education setting. You will have a proven ability to communicate complex topics clearly and engagingly, with strong organisational and interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple projects involving diverse stakeholders. 

An understanding of public sensitivities around vaccination or clinical research will be important, as will your ability to work strategically, creatively, and collaboratively to promote meaningful participation and impact. 

Experience in communications, digital engagement, or partnership development is desirable, as is knowledge of vaccine research or clinical trials. 

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.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Charlie Firth, the Communication and Global Engagement Lead OVG, using the contact details below.

Advert information