Part-time Postdoctoral Researcher; Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OxCEMR)

University of Oxford - Department of Psychiatry/Department of Experimental Psychology

Location: Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford

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 Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre that aims to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Trial Researcher to work with Dr Chloe Chessell, to co-lead an exciting MRC-funded feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) focused on increasing access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for preadolescent children with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

About the Role

The post is part-time (80% FTE) and is funded to 15 June 2027 and is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building. The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time is 3 days/week for a full-time post.

You will oversee the day-to-day running of the feasibility RCT, including close contact with NHS sites (R&D and clinical teams), associated administrative tasks, and NHS site set up, monitoring and amendments to NHS research ethics approvals. You will manage your own academic research and administrative activities, coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines and building effective relationships with internal and external partners.

You will collect, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative project data, generating insights to support decision-making. This includes conducting diagnostic assessments with participating parents/carers and children, and qualitative interviews exploring experiences of the treatment and trial procedures. You will contribute to publications and research proposals, present at conferences, and represent the research group at meetings.

About You

You will have, or be close to completing, a relevant PhD/DPhil together with relevant experience and sufficient specialist knowledge to work within established research programmes. You will have experience of managing your own academic research, working with children and families in a research setting, and working with NHS sites including leading on NHS ethics and amendments.

You will have strong analytical skills, including experience of analysing quantitative and qualitative datasets, conducting qualitative interviews, and using data management systems such as REDCap. You will demonstrate excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills, and experience contributing to publications and research proposals.

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. 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 9 March 2026

Interviews will take place on 26 March and will be in person