"Grants Team Leader"

Grants Team Leader

Department: Department of Oncology - Radiobiology Research Institute, Churchill Hospital Oxford, OX3 7LE

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Team Leader (Grants) to play a key role in the administrative structure of the Department of Oncology.

Reporting to the Grants Manager, you will manage an assigned portfolio of research projects, ensuring that the needs of academics and professional services staff are met and that all activity complies with funder requirements and University policies. You will have line management responsibility for a number of Senior Grants Officers supporting your portfolio and will be allocated wider team responsibilities. Key aspects of the role include overseeing pre- and post-award research grant administration, financial management of awards, and providing support for large, complex, and strategically important grants.

You will work closely with grant holders, Project Managers, and senior Professional Services staff to ensure robust project delivery and compliance, including audit requirements. A particular aspect of this role will be implementing automation of the team’s various processes so system improvement experience would be valuable.

The role also involves managing collaborations with UK and international partners, resolving complex grant-related issues, delegating work across the team, and supporting the Grants Manager in developing and improving grant management processes and systems. You will represent the Department at relevant meetings, liaise with external funders, and contribute to training and development within the Grants Team.

The post is offered on a full-time (part time considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE), fixed-term contract for 3 years in the first instance, based at the Radiobiology Research Institute, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LE. Hybrid working is available, with the expectation of working on site at least 3 days per week (for part-time staff, a minimum of 60%).

About You

You will be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience, with relevant experience ideally gained within a higher education or research environment. You will have a good working knowledge of major research funders and the research funding landscape, along with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a heavy and varied workload.

You will be confident working independently as well as collaboratively, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will be numerate, comfortable working with financial data, and able to manage both the financial and administrative aspects of large and/or complex research projects. Strong IT skills are essential, including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Experience of people management is desirable, as is experience of Oracle Financials, the University’s costing and pricing tool (X5), working with industry partners, or supporting clinical trials.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing, reflected in the range of benefits we offer, including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave (including public holidays)
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted travel options
• Access to a range of University social and sports clubs

Application Process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Claire Brunt at claire.brunt@oncology.ox.ac.uk

You will be required to upload a supporting statement (which must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience), a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application.

All applications must be submitted online via the University of Oxford's e-recruitment system by 12 noon (UK time) on Tuesday, 6th January 2026 to be considered.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed.

We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.