Senior Research Facilitator and Novo Nordisk Programme Manager

Location: John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford

Fixed-term until Sept 2027 (maternity leave cover), part-time (0.8 FTE, 30 hours per week). Internal secondments will be considered.

About the role 

The Radcliffe Department of Medicine (RDM) is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Facilitator and Novo Nordisk Programme Manager to cover a period of maternity leave.

This role combines strategic research facilitation with professional leadership of the £18.5 million Novo Nordisk – Oxford Fellowship Programme, one of the University’s flagship industry partnerships. The postholder will play a central role in ensuring the continued development and effective delivery of this high-profile collaboration, while contributing to the strengthening of RDM’s strategic research funding portfolio. 

The Novo Nordisk – Oxford Fellowship Programme spans multiple departments and divisions within the University, supporting early-career researchers working in obesity, diabetes and related conditions. The role involves close engagement with senior academics across the University and with senior representatives of Novo Nordisk. You will provide professional strategic oversight and governance of the programme, lead negotiations relating to programme development, and oversee financial management and reporting. 

In addition, you will provide support for major strategic funding applications, coordinate RDM submissions to university coordinated bids, and contribute to implementation of the department’s research strategy, including helping to build RDM’s industry funding portfolio. 

We are particularly seeking a candidate with experience of working effectively with a commercial partner and the confidence to operate credibly at senior level within a complex organisation. Candidates with less experience of research facilitation and research grant management will receive training and support.

You will be part of the RDM Professional Services team, which operates hybrid working (full-time colleagues typically work three days per week on site, pro rata for part-time staff).

About you 

You will hold a higher degree, or equivalent experience (preferably in a biomedical discipline), and have significant experience of managing large programmes or projects and complex budgets. You will demonstrate experience of working effectively with a commercial partner, excellent stakeholder management skills, and strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience of briefing senior colleagues.

You will be highly organised, able to think strategically while delivering operationally, and be confident working independently and able to demonstrate sound judgement. Line management experience is essential.

Experience within a higher education, research-intensive or research-active commercial environment and knowledge of the UK research funding landscape would be advantageous.

For further information about the role, please contact Dr Sarah Ball, Head of Strategic Research Development (Sarah.Ball@rdm.ox.ac.uk).

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online; you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement. The supporting statement should explain why you are interested in the role and how you meet the essential and desirable selection criteria for this post using examples of your skills and experience.

Only applications containing a CV and supporting statement will be assessed. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria in the job description.

Only applications received before 12 noon on Tuesday 13 April 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are anticipated to be held during the week commencing 4 May 2026.

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