Research and Policy Advisor

We are seeking to appoint a Research and Policy Advisor to join the Pandemic Sciences Institute (PSI) Policy and Practice Research Group, at the University of Oxford. The research group undertakes applied research on the design and implementation of policy and practice (including public health) for pandemic preparedness and response. Particular areas of current research include research on research prioritisation, research translation to policy and barriers and enablers to both research and public health practice during outbreaks.

Your primary responsibilities will be to lead on discrete areas of the PSI Policy and Practice Research Group, under the oversight of Dr Alice Norton. In particular, undertaking literature, policy reviews and stakeholder consultations and interviews) supported by a new grant from the WHO, focussed on improving research funders policies in alignment with the WHA Resolution on Clinical Trials. You will regularly write research articles, lead and co-author publications on behalf of the PSI Policy and Practice Research group-related work and present papers at conferences. You will also develop policy briefs on strategic themes such as data sharing, clinical research innovation and regulatory developments, social science aspects, access to medicine and R&D priorities and pipelines, and represent the research group at international meetings including with senior executives from funding agencies. Other responsibilities include developing research questions within a specific context, and
preparing and disseminating briefing papers for members on e.g. outbreak status reports and problem specification.

It is essential that you hold a Master's Degree in a scientific discipline, including social sciences and significant post-qualification experience, together with a strong track record in scientific and policy brief writing, and peer-reviewed publications. You will have substantive experience of working with global stakeholders, including presenting at and convening meetings and evidence of well-developed qualitative and quantitative research and analysis skills. Excellent written and verbal skills, with a proven ability to communicate complex concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and the ability to work accurately and methodically with a meticulous attention to detail are also essential for the role.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience.

This position is offered full time (part-time hours considered, a minimum of 80% FTE) on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 and is funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Interviews to be held on 17 December 2024 via Microsoft Teams.