Research Officer at University of Oxford

Q: Is this a fixed-term or permanent Research Officer position?

This is a fixed-term, full-time post until 30 June 2027. It supports the Education Endowment Foundation’s Early Years Evidence Store project at the University of Oxford.

Research Officer

About the Role

We are seeking a Researcher to join our team in the Department of Education and support an exciting study identifying the practices used by early educators to foster children’s communication, language, and literacy skills. Reporting to Dr Sandra Mathers, you will work as part of a collaborative research group responsible for delivering high-quality research to strengthen the Education Endowment Foundation’s Early Years Evidence Store. The role involves managing your own research and administrative activities, engaging in project planning, and helping shape evidence-based updates to language and literacy taxonomies.

You will adapt and develop research methodologies, overseeing arrangements for data collection and leading the recruitment of early years settings. A key part of the role involves conducting mixed-methods fieldwork, including systematic observations and educator interviews, which will require some national travel. You will gather, analyse, and present qualitative and quantitative data, prepare written outputs for publication, and organise project meetings. You will also support day-to-day project administration and represent the research group externally.

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion), together with relevant experience and possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute effectively within established research programmes. You must demonstrate highly effective organisational skills and the ability to manage your own academic research tasks. Strong communication skills are essential, including the ability to write publishable text, present findings, and collaborate effectively within a team. You must also have the ability to handle confidential data in line with established agreements and policies.

This post is offered on a fixed term, full time basis until 30 June 2027. For more details about the role please review the job description.

Please include a CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria. Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday, 13 July 2026 will be considered.

🎓What qualifications are required for the Research Officer role?

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or be close to completion) with specialist knowledge in early childhood education. Strong experience in mixed-methods research, data analysis, and project management is essential. See our academic CV guide for application tips.

📋What are the main responsibilities of this Research Officer position?

The role involves managing research activities, leading data collection, recruiting early years settings, conducting fieldwork (observations & interviews), analysing qualitative/quantitative data, and preparing publications. National travel is required. Explore similar roles on our research jobs page.

📅Is this a fixed-term or permanent Research Officer position?

This is a fixed-term, full-time post until 30 June 2027. It supports the Education Endowment Foundation’s Early Years Evidence Store project at the University of Oxford.

📝How should I apply for the Research Officer job at Oxford?

Submit a CV and supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria before 12:00 noon on 13 July 2026. Only applications received by the deadline will be considered. Check our CV advice for success.

💼What skills are essential for success as a Research Officer?

Key skills include highly effective organisation, ability to manage independent research, strong written and verbal communication, and experience handling confidential data. National travel for fieldwork is also required.

Research Officer

University of Oxford

Oxford, OX2 6PY