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Career and development

At Oxford people have opportunities to learn, develop and progress throughout their careers. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone involved in research can develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to thrive.

Ceiling of the Schwarzman Centre

Explore development opportunities

As a signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, the University is committed to supporting the professional development of its research staff. We encourage an enable all research staff to undertake at least 10 days of professional development each year (pro rata) and to have an annual career development conversation to reflect on their goals, aspirations and future development. 
 
Developing the skills to identify funding opportunities, build partnerships and prepare competitive applications can strengthen both your research and professional development. Whether you're applying for your first fellowship, contributing to a collaborative bid or leading a major research programme, Oxford provides extensive support to help you navigate and apply for funding opportunities, internally and externally. 
 
 

Commitments and resources

Career planning and support

Whether you’re considering your next step, exploring career options or navigating uncertainty, there is support available to help you plan your future with confidence.  

Setbacks and challenges are a normal part of many research careers, and its’s common to experience periods of uncertainty about progressing within academia or moving into another sector. To support researchers through these moments, the Careers Service collaborated with DPhil students, postdoctoral researchers and established academics to develop the Overcoming a Sense of Academic Failure workbook and five podcasts. Together, these resources explore the causes of academic setbacks and offer practical strategies for building resilience and moving forward.  

Researchers move on to a wide range of exciting roles within and beyond academia. The research-careers.org website showcases career stories from former researchers to help you explore different career paths, understand where research skills are valued and discover opportunities you may not have previously considered. If there’s a sector you’d like to explore, get in touch with the team of Oxford researchers running this resource via [email protected].  

The Careers Service offers support to research students (e.g. DPhil or MRes) at Oxford University through one-to-one advice. Careers advisers can help students in their decision-making and next steps, whatever aspirations or concerns. Research students must register for a CareerConnect account which can then be used to book appointments and events.  

Workshops and events

Development programmes for researchers run throughout the year. These cover career management, exploring your transferable skills, potential options, writing effective CVs and cover letters and how to shine in an interview.  

Sessions take place and are delivered through the academic divisions. Explore the wide range of courses and workshops offered: (MPLS, MSD, SSD, Humanities). 

Bolstering your core employability skills

As a researcher you develop a wealth of transferable skills, from critical thinking and problem solving to leadership, communication and collaboration. Oxford offers a range of opportunities to help you build on these capabilities, develop new ones and apply them throughout your career.  

Programmes include:

  • The Confident Manager series (internal staff only, SSO login required), a flexible and innovative programme focused on people management skills development.  
  • Research staff can access 1:1 Coaching via the Oxford Coaching Network (internal staff only, SSO login required) at no cost.  
  • Enspire Oxford is the University’s entrepreneurship hub. Expand your entrepreneurial mindset with a range of one-day bootcamps and term-long programmes. There are a range of opportunities available.  

Additionally, the Careers Service website contains a wealth of resources to boost your employability.  

For further information

For further information about this page or researcher career development at Oxford, please email the Researcher Hub at [email protected].