Job Description

Would you like to help showcase the ground-breaking research happening at the University of Oxford? We're seeking a dynamic individual to join us as a Research Excellence Framework (REF) Officer, playing a pivotal role in our preparations for REF2029.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK's system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. As REF Officer, you will provide specialist administrative support for the Main Panel A submission, spanning across the Medical Sciences Division and one department in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.

In this role, you'll develop insight into the wide breadth of research activities undertaken across the departments and how they are supported and communicated. This experience will be of great value to those individuals wishing to develop a career in research management.

Working closely with academic and administrative colleagues' university-wide, you will directly contribute to the accuracy, completeness and quality of our REF 2029 submission. Your tasks will include managing distributed processes as well as directly undertaking key REF actions. You'll propose and implement flexible solutions that meet both local need and central university requirements within a tight timetable, while respecting the constraints of other teams.

You'll be required to build specialist knowledge of REF-related tasks, processes, and procedures, from which you can provide advice and guidance on best practice, and share learnings and process improvements across the Division and with colleagues in similar roles across the University.

You'll work across the various elements of REF, from collating output data to supporting the drafting of narrative elements for submission. This will involve identifying relevant data from multiple sources, accurately manipulating it to address complex questions, and presenting results clearly.

Applicants should be educated to degree level, with previous experience of administering projects or processes. Strong organisation skills and a proven ability to meet multiple work deadlines are essential. You should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, collaborating effectively with staff at all levels, including senior academics and administrative staff. With keen attention to detail, you'll also demonstrate excellent numerical skills and the ability to manipulate complex data.

The post is a full-time position, but we welcome discussions regarding flexible working arrangements. The post holder will be required to be in office at least one day a week with the team.

Application Process

To apply, please upload the following via our online application system:
A

supporting statement.

The supporting statement should clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Your

CV

Contact details for

two referees

Closing date for applications:

Monday, 3 November 2025

Interviews will take place:

Tuesday, 2 December 2025

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

A comprehensive range of childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

* Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs