Director of Research Governance, Ethics & Assurance

The University of Oxford is seeking an exceptional Director of Research Governance, Ethics & Assurance to lead a key professional services team supporting the University’s Research and Innovation mission.

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

Salary: ALC6 Competitive

Contract: Full Time 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. Oxford's rich history and commitment to research and innovation make it an inspiring environment for personal and professional growth.

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.

The department’s work is guided by the following core values:

• Collaboration - We work in successful partnership with colleagues across the University and beyond. Our relationships are built on clear communication, shared goals, flexibility, and mutual respect.
• Excellence - Through innovation, investment and continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of our professional services, we are committed to providing outstanding support and trusted expertise.
• Inclusion - We create an environment where everyone can succeed. We celebrate and promote diversity and equality, and listen to everyone equally.
• Integrity - We act with openness, honesty, and courage. We challenge ourselves and encourage the same in others.

The role of the Research Governance Ethics and Assurance team (RGEA) 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) licenses, 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

As Director, you will provide exemplary leadership to RGEA and ensure the ongoing development and delivery of outstanding research support services in the area of research governance, including facilitating compliance with national and international regulatory frameworks, delivering a robust auditing schedule and supporting external audits, research sponsorship reviews and approvals, research ethics, human tissue governance, and research insurance.

As a member of the Research Services leadership team, you will contribute strongly and actively to the effective management, development and success of the overall department and our talented and committed people, and will champion the Research Services values of collaboration, excellence, inclusion and integrity.

About You

You will bring to this senior role substantial experience and a track record of achievement and leadership in delivering outstanding research governance support services and of facilitating the undertaking of research involving human participants in line with regulatory, ethical and academic frameworks. You will be an exceptional leader and manager, with a deep commitment to supporting and developing colleagues to succeed.

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

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 Wednesday 25th February.

Interviews will take place w/c 9th March, and will be held face-to-face.