Postdoctoral Researcher

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 Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre that aims to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early.

This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral research assistant to join a research project titled “All About Me” led by Dr Jiedi Lei (Principal Investigator). The “All About Me” project works with young people, families, and educators to develop a neurodiversity-affirming toolkit to explore character strengths, abilities, and potential across contexts. The post holder will take responsibility for running research projects within the wider programme of work. They will manage the day-to-day delivery of these projects, develop and adapt strengths-based assessment methodologies, lead quantitative and qualitative data collection with young people, families, educators and practitioners, and analyse data from a range of sources.

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 hybrid basis with 2 days minimum per week at the life and mind building (office), up to 3 days per week remote working / other site visits (e.g., visiting partner schools).

About the Role

The post is funded for 2 years. The post is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building in Oxford.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project leading on data collection from young people using cognitive, behavioural, and clinical measures via lab-based assessments and home or group setting visits, as well as qualitative interviews, and from parent and practitioners using interviews and observations. You will act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on methodologies or procedures. You will promote public involvement with the research project and contribute regularly to the contents of web pages and social media related to the research project and broader group so that they remain informative and up to date.

About You

You will hold or be close to the completion of a PhD/DPhil/DClin or other professional doctorate degree, in a relevant subject area. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline of neurodiversity to work within established research programmes. An experience in engaging in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) based research is 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 Friday, 3rd July 2026. Interviews are expected to take place mid-July 2026 and may be held either in person or online, depending on candidates’ preferences.