Research Assistant

University of Oxford - Department of Education

About the Role

We are seeking a Researcher to join our team and support our project, titled Using vignettes to capture real-time responses of mathematical thinking and affect.

Reporting to Professor Gabriel Stylianides, you will work as part of a research group, including Professor Karen Skilling, providing research support for the project and contributing to the delivery of high‑quality research outputs. The role involves managing your own research and administrative activities within agreed guidelines, contributing to wider project planning, including ideas for new research directions. You will also select, follow, and adapt specialist research methodologies to suit the needs of the project, identifying alternative approaches where necessary. Knowledge of vignette methods would be important for this role.

You will contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering, including data from interviews and surveys, while analysing and presenting qualitative and quantitative data from a range of sources. The role further involves carrying out comprehensive literature reviews and preparing written outputs suitable for publication or presentation. You will also support the day‑to‑day administration of the research project.

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in a field related to Education and have relevant research experience, as well as be working toward a doctorate in Education. They should possess sufficient specialist knowledge in Mathematics Education or Cognitive Psychology to work effectively within established research programmes and demonstrate the ability to manage their own research and administrative tasks. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to write publishable text, present research findings, and represent the research group at meetings. Applicants must also have experience following and adapting research methodologies, especially analysis of survey data and interviews.

This post is offered on a variable hours basis, fixed term for 12 months.

Applications must be submitted by midday on Monday 13 April 2026.