Research Assistant; Molecular Targets

University of Oxford - Department of Psychiatry

Location: Oxford

Salary: £35,681 to £41,636 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 10th April 2026

Closes: 21st April 2026

Job Ref: 185825

Location: Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX

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.

Reporting to Professor Rachel Upthegrove, you will support the Molecular Targets Theme of the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, contributing to developing evidence for novel immune treatment targets in early psychosis.

About the Role

The post is funded for one year in the first instance and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital. The post is full time; however consideration would be given to candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 60% FTE) on a pro rata basis. This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working, subject to project demands.

You will take an active role in developing protocols, participant information, and study database set ups, and assist in ethics applications and amendments. You will support the analysis of data from existing cohorts and newly collected data and undertake comprehensive and systematic literature reviews.

You will collaborate and co-ordinate with clinical colleagues, liaise closely with the Principal Investigators to ensure smooth running of the study and participant’s experience, and carry out administrative duties related to the project. You will work autonomously once trained, as well as part of a larger team, within the guidelines set out by GDPR, the Code of Ethics, and confidentiality requirements.

About You

You will hold a first degree in psychology, neuroscience or a relevant subject area. You will have sufficient specialist knowledge to work within established research programmes, including knowledge of advanced data analysis within the field of mental health.

With excellent communications skills including the ability to write text that can be published, you will be able to manage research administrative activities and demonstrate experience of following and adapting methodologies. Experience of working with patient participants with psychosis would be desirable as would experience of recruitment from NHS Clinical Services.

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 21 April 2026.