About the role A maternity cover position is available for a highly organised and proactive Programme Manager with proficiency in diary management and communication to join the Sanders Group, led by Dr. Stephan Sanders, a Professor of Paediatric Neurogenetics, at the University of Oxford. The group focuses on genetic causes of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders with the goal of developing cutting-edge genetic therapies for these disorders with bench-to-bedside programs that include bioinformatics, functional genomics, neurobiology, and therapeutic development. The team of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral scientists working with the Sanders Group span Oxford University, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and multiple international collaborators. The group is primarily focused on computational biology and collaborates with groups that generate data. The successful candidate will be motivated and organised, responsible for managing international collaborative projects in the Sanders Group. We envisage this role to be a combination of administrative duties (e.g., coordinating meetings, setting agendas, communicating action points, monitoring milestones, managing budgets) and scientific contribution (e.g., setting lab strategy, working on scientific manuscripts, assisting in progress reports and grant applications). The Programme Manager will join an administrative team that includes Dr. Sanders, a personal assistant to Dr. Sanders, a data manager, and a software developer. They will work closely with postdoctoral trainees and graduate students undertaking the scientific analyses. The individual should strive for continuous improvement in organisational efficiency and departmental effectiveness in all areas. 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 full-time on a fixed-term maternity cover contract initially for 12 months or until 31 December 2026, whichever is earliest. Further details can be found in the Job Description 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 The ideal candidate should be passionate about science, take pride in excellent organisational skills, and enjoy working in team environments. They should have extensive experience in managing large-scale complex projects, with a preference for experience in an academic setting. They must show proficiency in programme management, coordinating teams, scientific method, and managing finances, with strong administrative and multitasking skills. Effective collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders is essential and the candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as high computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office tools. The ideal candidate must possess excellent time-management and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to handle challenges calmly and independently. Meticulous attention to detail is important, alongside the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously. 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 The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Dani Breitinger-Blatt the Programme Manager, using the contact details below. Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 7th November will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. 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.