Research Facilitator (12 months Secondment)

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.

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 support pre-award application activities and help our scientists turn their ideas into fully articulated, costed research proposals. 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. The successful candidate will join a team of five other facilitators, providing 12 months of cover while another team member is on secondment (with the potential for a further 6-month extension).

 

You will support academic researchers throughout the research funding process, from identifying funding opportunities to preparing, costing and submitting high-quality grant applications. Acting as the main point of contact for researchers, you will provide advice on funder requirements, University policies and application procedures to maximise funding success.

You will work closely with academics, Research Services and administrative colleagues to coordinate multiple funding applications, develop accurate project costings, review proposal content and ensure financial, contractual and compliance requirements are met. You will also provide guidance and support to researchers, particularly those at an early stage of their careers.

You will contribute to the Department's wider research strategy by monitoring funding opportunities, improving internal processes, supporting research reporting and REF2029 preparations, and advising on research governance and compliance.

You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and produce clear, persuasive written content. You will be confident reviewing documents, providing constructive feedback and presenting key information to a range of stakeholders.

You will be highly organised and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting competing deadlines. You will have strong interpersonal skills, enabling you to build trusted relationships with academics, researchers and professional services colleagues, and you will approach sensitive situations with tact, discretion and sound judgement.

You will be confident working in a large, collaborative organisation, with experience liaising across teams to ensure policies, regulations, and risks are appropriately managed. Experience of research, higher education or research funding is desirable, along with the ability to quickly learn new systems and use data to support informed decision-making.

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 1st of September 2026  at mid-day.

 

Interviews will take place on the 18th of September and will be face-to-face.

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