The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.
The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry. The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.
We are seeking a Research Assistant to work on a programme of research aimed at improving the clinical assessment and management of first-episode psychosis.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time is 3 days/week for a full-time post.
About the Role
The post is fixed-term for 2 years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital. It is full time (consideration will be given to candidates wishing to work part-time at a minimum of 80% FTE on a pro rata basis).
You will contribute to evaluating and supporting the implementation of a standardised assessment and treatment pathway within a well-established and well-resourced Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service in Oxford. You will also support the delivery of the Baseline Biomarker Check (BBC) clinic, a Wellcome-funded translational research clinic embedded within the Oxford Early Intervention Service.
Working closely with the Project Manager and wider research team, you will contribute to participant recruitment and assessment, data collection and analysis.
You will manage your own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues. You will also contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects and the development and evaluation of research relating to first-episode psychosis.
About you
You will have a first degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a relevant area of science (or equivalent experience), with sufficient specialist knowledge to work within established research programmes.
An interest in psychosis research is essential, along with experience of working in a clinical or mental health setting and undertaking research data collection. You will also have the ability to manage your own research and administrative activities and experience of following and adapting methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with research participants, clinicians and multidisciplinary teams are also essential. Experience of behavioural or neuroimaging data analysis and research dissemination would be desirable.
Diversity
Committed to equality and valuing diversity, our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives including our values and behaviours framework, work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process
The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 27 August 2026
It is anticipated that interviews will take place in mid-September and will be face to face.
