Senior Research Facilitator (RF) and Trusted Research (TR) Specialist

Location: Clarendon Laboratory Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU

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.

Oxford Physics is one of the largest and most eminent physics departments in Europe, pursuing forefront research alongside training the next generation of leaders in physics.

Would you like to enable research at the frontiers of physics by helping academics navigate the challenges of research funding and international collaboration? 

The Department of Physics is looking for a talented communicator with a passion for science and an eye for detail to join the friendly Research Facilitation Team supporting our academics and researchers. You will oversee pre-award application activity and assume primary responsibility for developing processes and providing specialist support to the department’s staff to ensure compliance with export control legislation of our research and other activities in the department.

This is a new role, and we are looking for the right person to build a new integrated area of support for TR. Given the requirement for agenda-setting, you should be able to use your own initiative to resolve complex problems and manage your time and prioritise tasks with minimal supervision.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Department in a newly created Senior Research Facilitation and Trusted Research Specialist role. You will lead on pre-award research support, working closely with researchers to develop high-quality funding applications, coordinate complex submissions, and provide expert advice throughout the application process.

Alongside research facilitation, you will play a key role in developing and embedding the Department's Trusted Research activities. You will advise researchers and colleagues on export control, research security and international collaboration risks, working in partnership with the University's central Trusted Research team to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and best practice.

As a senior member of the team, you will build new processes, deliver training, and work collaboratively across academic and professional services teams. This is an opportunity to shape an important and evolving area of support, using your initiative and expertise to enable world-leading research while managing risk effectively.

About You 

You are an organised and proactive professional with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. You are confident working independently, managing competing priorities, and providing high-quality advice to colleagues at all levels, including senior academics.

You have experience supporting complex projects or research funding applications, with strong analytical skills and an excellent eye for detail. You are comfortable interpreting complex information, reviewing written documents, and providing constructive feedback.

You are collaborative, adaptable and motivated by continuous improvement. Whether you already have experience of Trusted Research and export controls or are keen to develop expertise in this area, you are committed to supporting excellent research through effective processes, sound judgement and a practical, solutions-focused approach.

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.

The closing date for applications is midday on 11 August 2026. Interviews are scheduled for Friday, 4 September 2026.

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