At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a research team tackling adolescent mental health and chronic pain.
- Company: University of Oxford, a world-class centre for excellence in research.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, flexible hybrid work, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunity for those pursuing an academic or clinical career.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives through impactful research.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; strong quantitative research skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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.
We are looking for a Research Assistant to join a growing research team investigating mental health and self‑harm in adolescents with chronic pain, contributing to clinically relevant research aimed at improving support within paediatric pain services.
What We Offer:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
The role is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The core team day is onsite on Wednesdays. The post holder is expected to work onsite at least 2–3 days per week in total (including Wednesdays) to support collaboration and team integration.
About the Role:
The post is funded for 13 months from 1 September 2026. It is full-time and based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital. You will join a research team led by Dr Verena Hinze working on an Arthritis UK–funded project: “Self‑Harm in Adolescents with Chronic Pain: Identifying Risks, Mechanisms, and Interventions”. The project aims to understand why some young people with chronic pain experience self‑harm thoughts or behaviours while others do not, with the goal of improving risk identification and support within paediatric pain services. You will have hands‑on experience at the interface of research and clinical practice, including opportunities to contribute to data analysis, stakeholder engagement, dissemination activities, and future research development. You will work closely with collaborators across the University and NHS paediatric pain services in Oxford and Bath. It is particularly well suited to those pursuing an academic career (e.g. PhD/DPhil) or Clinical Doctorate training.
About You:
You will hold a degree in psychology, psychiatry, or a related discipline, with an interest in adolescent mental health, chronic pain, or applied clinical research. You will have experience contributing to research projects, with strong quantitative research skills, including experience analysing data using R or similar statistical software. You will also have the ability to organise and manage your own work effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage professionally with researchers, clinicians, young people, and families are essential. Experience working with routinely collected healthcare data, clinical research settings, stakeholder engagement, or research dissemination activities would be desirable.
The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 12 June 2026.
Research Assistant: Paediatric Pain & Mental Health employer: Corehr
The University of Oxford offers a dynamic and supportive work environment at the Warneford Hospital, renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and mental health. Employees benefit from an impressive 38 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in clinical research. With a flexible hybrid working model and a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, this role is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in paediatric pain services while advancing their academic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant: Paediatric Pain & Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of paediatric pain and mental health. Attend relevant events, join online forums, and connect with researchers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the department and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work on adolescent mental health and chronic pain. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with young people and families, being able to convey complex ideas simply is key. Try explaining your research interests to friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills and interests. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant: Paediatric Pain & Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Assistant. Highlight your experience in psychology, psychiatry, or related fields, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant research projects you've been involved in.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about adolescent mental health and chronic pain. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, like your quantitative research skills or experience with data analysis.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be engaging with researchers, clinicians, and families, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use examples from past experiences where you effectively communicated complex ideas or collaborated with diverse groups.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to double-check all your documents before hitting submit, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the specific research project you'll be involved in, especially the focus on self-harm in adolescents with chronic pain. Understanding the key objectives and methodologies will help you engage meaningfully during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your quantitative research skills and any experience you have with data analysis software like R. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully contributed to research, highlighting your role and the impact of your work.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves engaging with young people and families, demonstrate your excellent communication skills by discussing how you would approach sensitive topics in a professional manner.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research team's goals, collaboration opportunities, and the hybrid working model. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
