Post-doctoral Research Associate / Research Trial Manager

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Teachers Pension Scheme

Access to occupational health services

Employee assistance helpline

Discounted gym facilities

On-site nursery option

Discounted travel options

Relocation scheme

Training and development opportunities

Staff networks for community and support

Job summary

Oxford Brookes University is seeking an individual to lead the Brain Boost trial's daily operations across two custodial sites. The role involves overseeing Research Assistants and ensuring compliance with study protocols, all while coordinating across multiple stakeholders.

The successful candidate will contribute to impactful research within youth justice and public health and enjoy a competitive benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in managing day-to-day operations for research trials.
• Ability to maintain fidelity to study protocols and high-quality data management.
• Proven experience in engaging stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational management of the Brain Boost trial.
• Oversee Research Assistants and ensure adherence to protocols.
• Engage with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment.

Skills

Research delivery and evaluation within applied or complex settings

Coordinating research projects involving multiple stakeholders

Experience managing or supervising staff

Strong organisational and project management skills

Experience in criminal justice, youth justice, education, mental health

Job description

Oxford Brookes University and Think Through Nutrition have been awarded £1.8m in funding to deliver the Brain Boost trial: a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of nutritional supplementation on wellbeing and violent and aggressive incidents among children and young people in Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).

The postholder will lead the day-to-day operational management of the trial across two custodial sites, oversee Research Assistants, maintain fidelity to the study protocol, and support high-quality data collection, governance and reporting.

The role combines academic research delivery, operational coordination, stakeholder engagement and trial management within a complex multi-agency environment involving universities, custodial institutions and third-sector partners.

The postholder will contribute to a study that has strong impact and policy relevance within youth justice, public health and violence prevention, and which has been intentionally designed with attention to equity, inclusion and ethical delivery within the youth secure estate.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo a DBS check and Ministry of Justice and HMPPS vetting and security clearance procedures prior to commencing site-based work.

We encourage applications who can demonstrate the following:

• Research delivery and evaluation within applied or complex settings
• Coordinating research projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience managing or supervising staff
• Strong organisational and project management skills working independently and within a team
• Experience in the criminal justice, youth justice, education, mental health, or related settings

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Teachers Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
• An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
• Discounted travel options
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
• Training and development opportunities
• A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.