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- Tasks: Join a research team to explore character strengths in neurodivergent children and young people.
- Company: University of Oxford, a world-class centre of excellence in research.
- Benefits: Two-year funded position with opportunities for professional development and impactful research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding and supporting neurodiversity while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, with knowledge in neurodiversity and HCI research.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on diversity and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3EL
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 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.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral research assistant to join a research led by Dr Jiedi Lei (Principal Investigator) working across two projects:
- Exploring Character Strengths in neurodivergent children and young people (ND CYP)
- The “All About Me” project
Exploring Character Strengths in neurodivergent children and young people (ND CYP) aims to improve understanding of strengths-based approaches for supporting neurodivergent children and young people across settings, while 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 is funded for 2 years and 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 participants using cognitive, behavioural, and clinical measures via lab-based assessments and home or group setting visits, as well as qualitative interviews, and from parents 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 have 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. 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 24 February 2026.
University of Oxford employer: Institute for Modern
Contact Detail:
Institute for Modern Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land University of Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the University of Oxford. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your research projects and achievements. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in neurodiversity and Human-Computer Interaction, making you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your field. Think about how your experience aligns with the projects at the University of Oxford. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay active on social media! Follow the University of Oxford and its departments on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share relevant content. This not only keeps you informed but also shows your enthusiasm for their work!
We think you need these skills to ace University of Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the projects at the University of Oxford. We want to see your passion for neurodiversity and how you can contribute to the team.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. We’re looking for specific examples of your work in research, especially in neurodiversity and HCI.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, make sure to emphasise your research methodologies and any experience with data collection and analysis. We want to know how you can contribute to our exciting projects and support the team effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Modern
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects you'll be involved in, especially those led by Dr Jiedi Lei. Understanding the nuances of neurodiversity and the methodologies used in the research will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your PhD or relevant experience in detail. Highlight any previous work related to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and how it can contribute to the projects at the University of Oxford.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate by discussing how you would promote public involvement in the research. Share ideas on how to keep web pages and social media updated, showing that you're proactive and a team player.
✨Embrace Diversity
Since the department values diversity, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive environment. Share experiences where you've worked with diverse groups or promoted equality in your previous roles.
