Human Tissue Governance Associate

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oxford seeks a knowledgeable professional to join their Research Services team. This position involves supporting researchers in meeting legal requirements related to human tissue, providing essential guidance and compliance checks. With the opportunity for hybrid working, the role promotes a flexible environment while maintaining high standards of support and governance.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Generous family leave schemes

Contributory pension scheme

Affordable commuting options

Access to community clubs

Qualifications

• Understanding of Human Tissue Act and related standards.
• Knowledge of quality management systems and their implementation.
• Ability to assess and propose improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance on compliance with the Human Tissue Act.
• Assist researchers with HTA licence processes.
• Ensure robust assurance of compliance for tissue governance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Record-keeping skills

Education

University degree or equivalent

Job description

Admin/Support

Location: Boundary Brook House, Churchill Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7GB

Salary: Grade 6: £34,982 - £40,855 per annum if part time (pro rata)

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (6 months maternity cover)

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the "city of dreaming spires," the University of Oxford has been ranked the world's leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you'll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Research Services is one of the key professional services departments supporting Oxford's research and innovation community. With over 180 staff across our five business units, our values include teamwork, professionalism, continuous improvement, empathy, respect and trust.

The role of the Research, Governance, Ethics and Assurance (RGEA) team is to provide expert advice and guidance on regulatory and compliance matters to the extensive portfolio of research involving human participants. Our work is incredibly diverse and extends across several functions including sponsorship review for submissions to external bodies (including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)) and NHS research ethics committees), Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licences, risk and insurance, clinical and non-clinical research ethics advice and management of the University's internal ethics review committees which covers an exceptionally broad range of disciplines and has a strong interdisciplinary character.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This position is focused on direct support to staff working in research teams: this includes responsibility for providing advice and guidance about fulfilling the requirements of the Human Tissue Act (2004). Other key responsibilities include guiding researchers who need to store samples under an HTA licence through the appropriate governance processes, and providing robust assurance of compliance with the regulation to Designated Individuals with legal responsibility for the University's HTA licences. There is a strong emphasis on building competency and providing advice to a variety of stakeholders including colleagues in Research Services, in clinical teams in the NHS, in clinical trials units and in University departments both in academic research and in research support roles.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the Human Tissue Act and related standards and regulations, as well as excellent interpersonal skills and a rigorous approach to record-keeping. The role is offered on full-time, permanent basis, although 0.8 FTE would be considered for the right candidate. RGEA operates as a hybrid working environment, 50% of your time would be office-based. the office presence required is of a minimum of 50%. The successful candidate will report to the Human Tissue Governance Lead and be part of a group of four people with specialised expertise on human tissue governance within RGEA.

About You

• Working knowledge of relevant legislation related to human tissue and data acquisition, storage and processing, in particular experience of working within the Human Tissue Act 2004 and Data Protection Act 2018.

• A university degree (or the equivalent relevant education and experience).

• Knowledge of the requirements of quality management systems and their practical implementation.

• Ability to initiate and progress areas of work in a changing legislative environment.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to interact confidently and professionally with a wide range of internal and external contacts at all levels.

• Ability to objectively assess service provision and propose and implement improvements as required.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on June 18th 2025

Interviews will take place on June 30th, and will be held face-to-face, at Boundary Brook House, Churchill Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7GB

Contact Person :

Ffion Fry

Vacancy ID :

180149

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

18-Jun-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

STANDARD GRADE 6

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

£34,982 - £40,855