Job Description

About the role

The Oxford Vaccine Group (OVG), within the Department of Paediatrics, is seeking to appoint a highly experienced and motivated Senior Programme Manager to oversee pathogen workstreams within the Correlates of Immunity - Artificial Intelligence (CoI-AI) Programme.

The CoI-AI Programme is a pioneering initiative combining human challenge models, advanced immunology, and artificial intelligence to accelerate vaccine development. It encompasses clinical and translational studies across multiple bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The post holder will provide operational leadership for programme delivery, laboratory and clinical trial oversight, and financial governance. They will work closely with academic, NHS, and industry partners to ensure the successful delivery of complex, multi-partner studies to the highest scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a world-leading research programme at the interface of vaccinology, data science, and translational medicine.

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, project management, and financial skills, with the ability to oversee laboratory and clinical operations, coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, and work effectively with external collaborators and funders.

The ability to build effective partnerships, motivate multi-disciplinary teams, and navigate regulatory and contractual frameworks is essential. A postgraduate qualification (MSc/PhD), experience in bacterial 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.