Job Description

Join the team that has recently gained large recognition due to the unprecedented speed of activity in the race against the global threat to human health that is coronavirus. With over 25 years of experience in vaccine research, the Oxford Vaccine Group undertakes vaccine research at all stages of the process from pre-clinical development to late phase policy influencing trials, with the sole aim of ensuring protection of as many individuals as possible from vaccine preventable diseases.

About the role

We are looking to recruit a Clinical Trials (including Play) Assistant. Under minimal supervision, the postholder is responsible for the effective and efficient day-to-day administration of specific research studies to enable the academic research staff to fulfil their responsibilities. The postholder is required to carry out varied office duties and specific study related tasks, including assisting the paediatric study team by providing distraction to babies and children on visits within the community.

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 (36.5 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract initially for 12 months or until 18 October 2026, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

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

This is a varied role in a friendly and hard-working team and we are looking for someone with effective communication and inter-personal skills, experience of working with babies/children, excellent office management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise own workload effectively. Due to the nature of the role this is on site working at the Churchill Hospital, Headington.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Evidence Form (attached below) as part of your online application. The Supporting Evidence Form should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Jack Howes, Clinical Trial Coordinator, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Wednesday 23 July 2025 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.