Job Description

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly HR Team in the Department of Paediatrics as an HR Officer Maternity Cover.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day aspects of recruitment and personnel administration, reporting to the HR Operations Manager. To deliver a streamlined and efficient service, our HR Team operates in two workstreams, Recruitment and HR. The HR Officers work within a dedicated stream, focusing on either Recruitment or HR, while you will provide support and gain experience across both areas. The responsibilities will vary according to the workstream within which the post holder is working; either focusing more on recruitment or more on personnel administration.

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 (to start as soon as possible, running until the end of August 2026). Secondments will also be considered. Part-time applications may be considered (with a minimum of 30 weekly hours).

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 which, if successful, could be used to support a CIPD qualification for aspiring HR professionals.

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 GCSE (grade 4-9) level English and Maths, or equivalent, as well as excellent organisational and administrative skills. You will also have excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to prioritise your workload, as well as the ability to produce accurate and detailed work within deadlines. The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, to build effecting working relationship with colleagues and to handle confidential information appropriately are also essential for this role.

Application and interview 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, scheduled for Wednesday, 10 December 2025. While this date is subject to change, we kindly ask applicants to note them, thereby ensuring their availability if shortlisted. Due to the panel's availability, we are unlikely able to offer alternative dates at this time.

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 28 November 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.