UNIQplus Coordinators (Fixed-term, from 2 June 2026)

As part of an interdisciplinary team working with our Graduate Admissions and Recruitment staff, UNIQplus Coordinators will help to design and deliver a programme of in-person talks, discussions and social events to give students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups insight into PhD life at Oxford. Additionally, UNIQplus Coordinators will provide peer-to-peer welfare support to interns (training will be provided).

This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to develop their understanding of and experience in access and public engagement work, and to get involved with the University’s work to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in our graduate student body. 

About UNIQplus

The University and colleges are doing more than ever to increase the number of promising postgraduate students from under-represented groups at Oxford. A number of pioneering initiatives to improve access to graduate study have been launched, including UNIQplus.

First introduced in 2019, The UNIQplus internships are designed to encourage access to postgraduate study from talented undergraduates from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

From 6 July 2026, UNIQplus interns will undertake a research project at the University with supervision from Oxford’s academic staff, supported by a programme of events to introduce participants to the University and its staff and the key stages in considering and making postgraduate applications.

About the role

Up to 6 positions will be available, with a combination of remote working for the planning and coordination of events and in-person briefing, training and attendance at UNIQplus events.

Each appointment will be for an average of 10 to 12 hours per week (no more than 12 hours per week), for a 12-week period from 2 June 2026 to 20 August 2026. The positions are offered at an hourly rate equivalent to Grade 6.2 on the University’s grading scale (£19.15 per hour).

UNIQplus Coordinators will plan events prior to the internship programme (2 June to 3 July), and will deliver events and provide peer-to-peer support as required during the internship from 6 July to 20 August.

UNIQplus Coordinators will report directly to the Graduate Access and Widening Participation Officer based in Graduate Admissions and Recruitment. A small budget will be available to help to deliver events.

Successful candidates will work both independently and in a team of six to plan and organise events for UNIQplus interns undertaking projects based in the Humanities & Social Sciences divisions and the Medical Sciences & Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences divisions. The programme of events will primarily include social events, as well as giving them an insight into life at Oxford, research and postgraduate study. You will also be expected to provide peer-to-peer welfare support to interns, signposting to welfare resources, and escalating issues as appropriate. Training will be provided.

You should ensure that you follow the Paid Work Guidelines for graduate students in taking on employment. In accordance with these guidelines, DPhil students should discuss plans to take on additional work with their supervisor. If you are offered this position, you will be asked to confirm that you have obtained your supervisor’s agreement to take on paid work.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the role, please email your CV and a short supporting statement (around 1-2 pages) explaining how you meet the criteria for the position to [email protected] by midday on Thursday 9 April 2026.

Successful candidates must be available to attend the following training / events in person:

• Coordinator Briefing – Tuesday 2 June (2pm – 3:30pm)
• Welfare Training – Thursday 18 June (1pm – 4:30pm)
• UNIQplus Introduction Session and afternoon activity – Tuesday 7 July (9am – 4pm)

You will also be expected to attend some of the other core in-person UNIQplus events taking place between Monday 6 July and Thursday 20 August – around one per week.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend a short interview in person, scheduled to take place on Thursday 23 April. Please include any times you are not available for interview in your application.

Responsibilities

This position will involve:

• Working closely to a provided brief to develop and organise a programme of events for UNIQplus throughout the internship programme, to both engage and inform interns.
• Developing your understanding of the requirements of the UNIQplus audience, eg through analysing feedback from past cohorts and reviewing current literature on graduate access.
• Planning and organising events for the UNIQplus intern cohort, including liaising with speakers, contacting venues, and inviting UNIQplus interns to events.
• Attending and contributing to centrally-organised UNIQplus events held during the internship, including the coordination of groups and discussion during events where necessary.
• Close and consistent collaboration with other UNIQplus Coordinators and University staff working on UNIQplus to discuss proposals, assign tasks and create clear event plans.
• Communicating with other departments, offices and individuals within the University where necessary to request participation in UNIQplus whilst offering a professional degree of courtesy and consideration.
• Regular reporting on progress and preparing draft work for approval by members of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and the UNIQplus Management Group, including discussion and implementation of any requested changes and other feedback.
• Offering a point of contact for UNIQplus interns in order to provide advice, support and mentoring.
• Providing peer-to-peer welfare support to interns, signposting to welfare resources, and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Maintaining a clear record of expected and actual costs when planning and delivering events.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria

• Current DPhil student (including Doctoral Training Centre students) or early-career academic researchers (including post-doctoral researchers) at the University of Oxford at the point of recruitment.
• An interest in access work aimed at encouraging university applications from underrepresented groups.
• Experience of directly engaging with current university students through events, with a demonstrated understanding of the key issues and challenges involved in delivering a successful event.
• Experience of offering mentoring, support and/or pastoral care to students, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of judgement, discretion and compassion.
• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills, combined with strong attention to detail and experience of being involved in the planning, co-ordination and/or management of events or projects. This will include evidence of an ability to seek out and resolve problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and as part of a team, ensuring high levels of communication, organising and prioritising your own workload, and taking personal responsibility for achieving deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of access or widening participation work.
• Experience of mentoring or supporting undergraduate students or prospective applicants to the University of Oxford.
• Experience of organising or coordinating events or teaching.