Job Description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Oxford Vaccine Group in the Department of Paediatrics as our Communication and Engagement Officer

You will be responsible for various internal and external communication activities, ranging from clinical trial recruitment, creating advertising material, social media, paid advertising, evaluating campaigns, interacting with the press, facilitating engagement events and workshops, and carrying out patient and public engagement with research.

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 fixed-term contract until 31 March 2026, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. Part time applications may be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.

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 a degree in a relevant area or demonstrable experience, with proven technical skills, including producing creative materials, creating social media content, editing content, and graphic design. Further experience in working with members of the public with diverse interests, and implementing and evaluating communication and engagement strategies. Experience in demonstrating an understanding of science/medical/healthcare research and the needs of the public, and the sensitivities around vaccination is also desired.

You will have highly effective verbal and written communication skills with all levels of staff and an ability to operate effectively in a demanding and varied research environment.

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.
To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Charlie Firth, the Communication and Global Engagement Lead using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 23rd 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.