Research Assistant: Participatory and Qualitative Methods

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.

The post is for a Research Assistant in Participatory and Qualitative Methods located within the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) Team in the Department of Psychiatry, led by Professor Ilina Singh.

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

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The post holder will be required to work in-person in the office at least 3 days/week (Tuesday to Thursday).

Due to the nature of the role, you may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate the Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG).

About the Role

The post is funded for 1 year (with the possibility of an extension) and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

You will assist in participant recruitment, transcription, qualitative data collection (phenomenological interviews) and qualitative data analysis (phenomenologically focused thematic analysis) for the 'Impression Management & Authenticity' Sub-Study. You will also organise, facilitate, record, and document the co-production process with a dedicated YPAG for the 'Social Emotions' Project. You will co-manage the NeurOx Young People's Advisory Group (YPAG), for the NEUROSEC team Carry out PPIE activities, administrative activities and YPAG coordination in line with values and procedures, including safeguarding and data protection.

About You

You will have an undergraduate degree in bioethics, philosophy, sociology or psychology and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline and/or experience in mental health/wellbeing science and PPIE approaches and frameworks. A good understanding of phenomenological research methods, including data collection, coding, analysis and writing up is essential. Along with excellent organisational skills including use of advanced AI tools to support research processes, you will also have demonstrable ability to work independently following support from project leads, and to meet milestones and achieve deliverables.

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

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 5 December.

It is anticipated that interviews will take place in January 2026 and will be face to face .