Senior Programme Manager

About the role

The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), part of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Oxford, is seeking to appoint a highly motivated Senior Programme Manager to provide operational and strategic management for the Mucosal Infection and Immunology Research Programme.

The programme delivers world-leading clinical and translational research focused on respiratory pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. Working across a portfolio of industry-, government-, and charity-funded projects, you will ensure the effective delivery of complex studies, maintaining the highest standards of scientific, ethical, and regulatory integrity.

The post holder will have overall responsibility for programme delivery, laboratory and clinical trial oversight, budget management, and stakeholder coordination. Acting as a central link between academic, NHS, and industry partners, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of OVG's respiratory research portfolio.

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. The Oxford Vaccine Group is a world-leading academic research group conducting clinical and translational studies to advance vaccine development working with a diverse portfolio funded by industry, government and charitable organisations.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. The postholder is expected to work on site 3–4 days a week.

About the department

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 hold a degree in a life science or health-related discipline (or have equivalent experience), and possess significant experience in managing complex clinical research projects, ideally including multi-centre or international studies.

You will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, experience in budgetary management (ideally exceeding £1M), and familiarity with laboratory quality systems, clinical trial governance, and financial procedures within academic or healthcare environments.

The ability to build effective partnerships, motivate multi-disciplinary teams, and navigate regulatory and contractual frameworks is essential. A postgraduate qualification (MSc/PhD), knowledge of respiratory pathogens, or experience working at the academic–industry–NHS interface would be advantageous.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. 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.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dr Carla Solorzano-Gonzalez, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 5th December 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held in the first two weeks of January due to the Christmas period.

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.