Postdoctoral Research Assistant; Oxford Improving Treatments for Emotional Disorders Laboratory (OXITED)

Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX

About Us

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral research assistant to join the Oxford Improving Treatments for Emotional Disorders group (lead: Dr. Andrea Reinecke). The post holder will be working on an experimental medicine study funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), exploring the effects of a novel pharmacological agent on brain markers of depression.

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
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

The post is funded for 3 years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

Due to the nature of the role, the default mode of working for this post will be in person. There is some degree of flexibility around work hours and occasional working-from-home.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project including recruiting and screening patients with depression, and neuropsychological testing. You will set up study equipment and processes to ensure smooth running of the study, including liaising with wider team members across sites This study will require adherence to Good Clinical Practice and liaison with medical and nursing professionals at the NIHR Clinical Research Faculty.

About You

You will have or be close to the completion of a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Neuroscience, Psychology, Experimental Medicine, Human Psychopharmacology). Demonstrable research experience, including the ability to independently manage a research project within timelines, is essential. You will also possess excellent data analysis skills, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and evidence of strong scientific writing. Experience of analysing brain data and technological adeptness 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 4th March 2026.

It is anticipated that the interviews will take place in towards the end of March 2026 and will be face-to-face or online where required.

Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7

Salary (£): £39424 - £47779