Research Planning Assistant

Corehr; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Pension scheme

39 days leave incl public holidays

Cycle loan

Bus travel discounts

Social clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford is seeking a Research Planning Assistant to join the Research Strategy and Policy Unit in Research Services. The role involves admin across research fund administration, committee support, web editing and office management, with a hybrid working pattern requiring two onsite days in Oxford.

The successful candidate will support the John Fell Fund, provide diary and meeting support, and contribute to website and SharePoint maintenance, while handling financial administration

Qualifications

• Experience of organising and managing a busy workload with minimal supervision.
• Diplomatic approach, tact and initiative in dealing with a wide range of people.
• Excellent IT skills and strong numeracy with financial administration experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the John Fell Fund administration and its committee servicing.
• Assist in website editing and SharePoint maintenance.
• Provide office logistics and financial administration support.
• Assist in coordinating the Research and Innovation Committee activities.

Skills

Organising workload

Diplomatic approach

IT & numeracy

Job description

The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced and committed Research Planning Assistant to join the Research Strategy and Policy Unit in Research Services. This is a varied administrative role providing experience in research fund administration, committee support, web editing and office management.

Location: 5 Worcester Street, Oxford, OX1 2BX

Contract: 1.0 FTE(min 0.8 FTE); Permanent

About Us

The University of Oxford is a globally renowned centre for teaching, research and innovation. Working here means joining a vibrant, cosmopolitan community dedicated to addressing global challenges and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.

Research Services

The Research Services is part of the University Administration and Services (UAS) division and works in partnership with academic divisions, departments, and faculties. It has a broad remit to support the University’s researchers by providing expertise, strategic insight, research funding acquisition, contract negotiation, and innovation and engagement initiatives. Working in the department means contributing to a dynamic, professional team that underpins the success of one of the foremost research institutions.

The post is based within the Research Strategy and Policy Unit (RSPU), which provides support for institutional research strategy and policy, including research strategy development and coordination, research evaluation and insight, research information, support for the University’s main research-related committees, management of strategic internal funding, and the development and coordination of institution-wide research policies and change initiatives.

What We Offer

• 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.

This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week required onsite in central Oxford.

About the Role

You will be ensuring the efficient and smooth running of the John Fell Fund, Oxford’s £6 million per annum internal research support fund, supporting the Research Planning Lead in their role as Secretary to the University’s Research and Innovation Committee and the Research Planning Coordinator in servicing the John Fell Fund Committee, and you will be performing team administrator duties, such as website editing, maintaining SharePoint sites, financial administration, supporting team meetings, and office logistics.

About You

• experience in organising and managing a busy workload and work with minimal supervision, with a willingness to resolve situations, as well as knowing when to refer issues to others
• the ability to take a diplomatic approach employing tact, discretion and initiative in dealing with a wide range of people
• excellent IT skills and strong numeracy skills with financial administration experience.

This role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. We are therefore unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Application Process

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 19 October 2026.

Interviews will take place on 11 November 2026 and will be held face-to-face.