Schools Research Network Manager; WISDOM Research Network, Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research

University of Oxford - Department of Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology

Location: Oxford

Salary: £39,424 to £47,779 per annum : Grade 7

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 5th September 2025

Closes: 3rd October 2025

Job Ref: 181635

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between children and young people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early in life. The Schools Research Network Manager will build and sustain positive reciprocal relationships with schools across England to support relationships between researchers and school systems.

About the Role

The post is funded to 30 September 2030 and is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building. The post is full time; however, consideration would be given to candidates wishing to work part-time on a pro rata basis (minimum 60% FTE).

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time is 3 days/week for a full-time post.

The WISDOM Research Network was established in 2024 with funding from the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre. This new post will be part of a dedicated engagement team for OCEMR.

You will plan and conduct activities to promote the network to primary and secondary schools across England and to maintain school engagement with the network. This will include becoming involved in school events, reaching out to different school networks and developing and delivering strategies to recruit and sustain active relationships with a diverse range of schools in support of our aim of engaging children and young people typically under-represented in research.

You will work with the WISDOM Research Network advisory board and research steering group to define processes, plans and activities and take responsibility for project management of the network including ensuring all activities happen as planned within budget.

About You

You will be educated to degree level or have equivalent professional experience, along with significant knowledge of primary and secondary school systems in England and be able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with school staff and other stakeholders. With project management skills including ability to plan a realistic programme of work and deliver activities within agreed budgets, you will be able to work independently in a complex environment, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines. Experience of working in a research/higher education environment would be desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity. Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives including our values and behaviours framework work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday 3 October 2025. Interviews will take place on 21 October 2025 in the Life and Mind Building and will be in person.