Research Planning Assistant

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines against a range of diseases. Research Services, a central department in University administration, provides comprehensive professional support for Oxford's research and innovation activities and the Research Strategy & Policy Unit (RSPU) in Research Services, supports institutional research strategy and policy. The Research Planning Assistant is based in RSPU, provides operational support for the University's central research fund, the John Fell Fund, and for the University's John Fell Fund Committee and Research and Innovation Committee, and is also RSPU's team administrator. 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
This is a hybrid working role with 2 days per week required onsite in central Oxford. About the Role This is a varied administrative role in the Research Strategy and Policy Unit (RSPU), requiring you to exercise initiative to prioritise and manage workload and demands, demonstrating a sense of ownership and proactive engagement with all duties. Reporting to the Research Planning Lead, you will work closely with the Research Planning Coordinator, who leads on the John Fell Fund, and as team administrator work collaboratively with the RSPU Coordinator and other members of RSPU, and with colleagues in Research Services' central Administration and Finance Team. Your key responsibilities will be:
• ensuring the efficient and smooth running of the John Fell Fund, Oxford's £6 million per annum internal responsive mode research support fund
• support the Research Planning Lead in their role as Secretary to the University's Research and Innovation Committee and the Research Planning Coordinator in servicing the John Fell Fund Committee
• performing team administrator duties, such as website editing, maintaining SharePoint sites, financial administration, supporting team meetings, and office logistics.
  
  You will bring with you:
• demonstrated ability to take a diplomatic approach employing tact, discretion and initiative in dealing with a wide range of people
• ability to organise and manage a busy workload and work with minimal supervision, with a willingness to resolve situations, as well as knowing when to refer issues to others
• excellent IT skills and strong numeracy skills with financial administration experience using enterprise systems