Job Description

The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is one of the largest and most innovative research and teaching departments in the UK. With strong interdisciplinary links across the University and a commitment to world-class research, the Department provides an intellectually stimulating and dynamic environment for staff and students alike.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the IT Team in the Department as an Deputy Head of IT (Research Support Lead).

Why Choose Us

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' well-being, and this is reflected in the range of benefits we provide, including:

Flexible Hybrid Working: A work setup that combines office and remote work.

Excellent Contributory Pension Scheme: We help you plan for your future.

Generous Annual Leave: 38 days of annual leave.

Comprehensive Childcare Services: We support your family needs.

Family Leave Schemes: Ensuring work-life balance.

Cycle Loan Scheme: Promoting eco-friendly transportation.

Membership to Various Social and Sports Clubs: Be part of vibrant communities.

Discounted Bus Travel and Season Ticket Travel Loans: Making your commute more affordable.

Opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives and community-building efforts.

Support for continued, life-long learning and career development.


The University also hosts a multitude of social groups and sports clubs for those seeking more than just a great place to work.

About the role

We are seeking a Deputy Head of IT (Research Support Lead) to join our IT leadership team, ensuring the effective delivery of IT services that support the Department's world-class research.

This role is key to shaping the Department's research IT strategy, working closely with researchers to understand their needs and developing IT services that enhance and enable their work. You will lead a team of skilled IT professionals, fostering collaboration across research groups, IT Services, and other University departments.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of IT in an academic research setting, driving innovation and ensuring that the departmental IT service keeps pace with the evolving demands of cutting-edge scientific research.

Your responsibilities will include:

Research IT Leadership:

Oversee and enhance IT services that support research, ensuring they align with researchers' needs.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate with research groups to understand and fulfil their IT requirements.

Team Management:

Lead and develop a team of IT professionals, providing mentorship and strategic direction.

Project Delivery:

Manage research IT projects, driving service improvements and innovation.

Collaboration and Compliance:

Work with University IT Services and external partners while ensuring security and compliance standards are met.

About you

To thrive in this varied and engaging role, we are looking for someone with:

Extensive experience managing IT services in a research or academic environment.

Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing teams.

Excellent customer service and relationship management skills.

A strategic mindset, with the ability to align IT services with research needs.

A solid technical understanding of research IT infrastructure.

The ability to work effectively with academics, IT colleagues, and external partners.

About the team

The Engineering Science IT Team consists of 28 professional IT staff supporting the Department across five sites. The team includes specialists in infrastructure, research support, and customer services.

In this role, you will work closely with other senior IT Managers, the Head of IT, the Head of Digital Transformation, and research groups to shape the Department's IT strategy and ensure that its research community has access to the best possible technology solutions.

The team is committed to providing high-quality services, encouraging knowledge sharing, and striving for technical excellence. We place strong emphasis on mutual support and effective collaboration across teams.
Our team values flexibility, with many team members working in a hybrid format. Additionally, many of the team enjoy non-standard working hours, such as compressed or part-time schedules.

Hybrid working

: 70% FTE on site minimum

Application Process

You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement which details how you meet each of the selection criteria, a CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is

Tuesday 6 May 2025

at 12:00 noon.