Research Culture and Training Manager

The MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Therapeutic Genomics at the University of Oxford is an ambitious, international, collaborative research programme focused on pioneering genome-targeted therapies for rare genetic disorders. With substantial new funding, we are seeking an experienced and proactive Research Culture and Training Manager to lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative research culture and training programme that aligns with our wider research strategy. As Research Culture and Training Manager, you will develop and oversee training strategies for researchers at all career stages, integrate best practices in research culture, lead mentorship and career development initiatives, and promote responsible knowledge exchange and team science practices. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver research culture initiatives from the very start of this ambitious venture.,

• Research Culture and EDI Leadership: Develop and implement strategies to embed positive research culture principles, integrating EDI into all training and engagement initiatives.
• Training and Career Development: Design and coordinate tailored training programmes for researchers at all career stages, including mentorship schemes, internships, and professional development frameworks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including academics, clinicians, industry partners, and funders, to align research culture and training efforts with institutional and sector-wide best practices.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL): Establish and track key performance indicators for research culture and training initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and impact assessment.
• Communications and Knowledge Exchange: Develop outreach materials, organise events, and contribute to discussions on research culture at institutional, national, and international levels.
• Programme Management: Oversee the delivery of research culture and training initiatives, ensuring effective coordination, budget management, and reporting.
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 as full-time on a fixed-term contract initially until 31 December 2031 with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available. Part-time applications may be considered (with a minimum of 0.8 FTE). This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa. 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.

The ideal candidate will be an action-oriented and creative individual, passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment. You will have experience working at both strategic and operational levels to implement culture change and training initiatives, alongside excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. We are looking for someone with:
• Proven ability to develop, communicate, and implement research culture and training strategies within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of EDI principles and experience in designing and delivering inclusive training programmes.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating training and culture initiatives.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate across different career stages and disciplines.
• Experience in designing and delivering research training and career development programmes.
• A strong understanding of research environments, ideally within academia or the biomedical sector.