About the role
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Specialised Translational Research Oxford Neuromuscular Group (STRONG) in the Department of Paediatrics as our Research Physiotherapist. Working within a trial research team, the post-holder will provide support to clinical research studies initiated by the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre or in which the Centre is an active partner.
The post holder will provide support to clinical research studies initiated by the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre or in which the Centre is an active partner. The role, supervised by the Consultant Research Physiotherapist, will require liaison between members of the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), the Department of Paediatrics and the MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre (ONMC).
The post holder will actively support the development of clinical trials in Prof. Laurent Servais’ research group, STRONG, and will be responsible for the assessment of patients participating in national and international clinical trials, natural history studies, and rehabilitation research studies. These include both children and young adults with a variety of neuromuscular neurodevelopmental/neurological conditions, including DMD, SMA, nemaline myopathy, Angelman syndrome, autism as well as other conditions. They will take part in assessment of material selection, maintenance and updating. As a research physiotherapist, they will be primarily based at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
You will be working in a growing department within the Medical Sciences Division. The Department of Paediatrics is a world leader in child health research and hosts internationally renowned research programmes in drug development, gastroenterology, haematology, HIV, immunology, neuroimaging, neuromuscular diseases and vaccinology.
This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for 1 year, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.
About the department
The Department of Paediatrics is committed to equality and valuing diversity. The Department of Paediatrics has been honoured with the Athena Swan Gold award, a national gender equality charter, recognising the Department's innovative policies and practices. We are committed to the professional development of our staff by providing up to ten paid days annually for skill enhancement and allowing applications for additional training funding. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking department.
We welcome new staff with ideas who are willing to shape the future of the department that thinks about its staff and wellbeing. In addition to the University of Oxford wellbeing resources, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.
Please visit our website to find out more about the Department.
About you
To apply for this role you must hold a diploma or degree in physiotherapy, HCPC registration and a keen ambition to develop a research career in neuromuscular/neurodevelopmental/neurological conditions. Furthermore, you must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, motivation and enthusiasm for providing an excellent service, good organisation and time management skills, and show commitment to personal and team development.
It is desirable that you have NHS experience in treating neuromuscular/neurological/neurodevelopmental conditions as a physiotherapist, awareness of the Children’s Act, experience of writing reports, and an understanding of clinical governance and good clinical practice.
For a full list of duties and selection criteria, please see the attached job description.
Application Process
You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application.
The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.
Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on 17 August 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.
