Head of Operations for the MRC CoRE in Restorative Neural Dynamics
The Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence (MRC CoRE) in Restorative Neural Dynamics is an ambitious new flagship research and innovation enterprise that is focused on harnessing the moment-to-moment interactions between nerve cells (‘neural dynamics’) to transform medical device-based therapies for brain conditions.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Operations who can work collaboratively with researchers and a wide range of other stakeholders to oversee and manage the complexity of this exciting large-scale venture.
You will join the MRC CoRE leadership and play key roles in decision making, strategic planning, and delivering on the challenge-led mission. You will work at a high level and have overall operational responsibility for the administration of the multi-site MRC CoRE, including management of its resources, performance, development, and finances. You will be a trusted source of expert opinion, advice and analyses in areas important to the MRC CoRE. You will help lead the MRC CoRE in complex matters and will be a proactive problem solver. You will line manage the members of the MRC CoRE’s Operational Support Team. You will make leading contributions to the embedding and dissemination of best practice and innovations promoting a positive research culture.
This is a diverse and evolving role requiring excellent skills in leadership, management, operational oversight, and strategic thinking. You will have experience of working in a research-intensive university (or in a directly comparable environment), of programme management, of strategic academic and/or research planning in a large organisation, and of service delivery in a complex multi-budget environment. You will also have experience of financial management, including budget profiling and forecasting. You will be adept at building consensus and collaborative relationships, and will have the interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders across academia, industry, and the third and public sectors.
This post is full time. However, we would consider a part-time position (minimum 80% full-time equivalent) with a commensurate adjustment in responsibilities and duties. Hybrid or flexible working patterns may be possible in agreement with the MRC CoRE Director.
This post is available from 1st November 2025 and is fixed-term until 31st October 2032 in the first instance.
This post is a University Grade 9 (09S) position with a starting salary of between £55,636 and £64,228 per annum.
To discuss this post in more detail, please contact MRC CoRE Director Professor Peter Magill.
Applications must be made via the University of Oxford’s online recruitment system, using Vacancy ID 180389.
The closing date for applications for this post is 12 midday UK time on Wednesday 30th July 2025.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
