"Senior HR Officer"

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Human Resources Team in the Department of Paediatrics as our Senior HR Officer.

You will be responsible for strengthening HR service excellence and operational effectiveness across the department. This includes driving efficient end-to-end recruitment and onboarding, safeguarding compliance and data integrity, and providing managers with expert advice. The Senior HR Officers work within a dedicated stream, focusing on either Recruitment or HR. The responsibilities will vary according to the workstream within which the post holder is working; either focusing more on recruitment or more on HR related matters.

You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.

This position is offered full-time on a permanent contract. Part-time applications may be considered (with a minimum of 34 weekly hours). Underfilling (i.e. filling the post one grade lower than the substantive grade) may be considered if the successful candidate lacks the necessary experience to carry out the full duties. The duties will then be adjusted appropriately, and a development plan put in place.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.

We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.

About you

You will have experience working within an HR team at the University of Oxford and a strong understanding of its HR processes and systems, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office and the University’s HR information system. You will hold, or be working towards, a postgraduate HR qualification (e.g. CIPD) or have equivalent experience, together with up-to-date knowledge of UK employment law. You will demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills with strong organisational and analytical ability. The ability to prioritise workloads and produce accurate work within deadlines are essential. You will also be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, building positive professional relationships, and handle confidential information with discretion, while contributing to a supportive and inclusive working environment.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed if you do not include both documents.

The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in Oxford.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Sorcha Morrissey, the HR Operations Manager using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 04 March 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.