At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Research Assistant to analyse large datasets in psychiatry and genomics.
- Company: The University of Oxford is a world-class institution known for its excellence in research and training.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working hours, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health research while working in a dynamic, supportive team.
- Qualifications: A degree in data science or related fields, with strong coding skills in R or Python required.
- Other info: This full-time role offers remote work options and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 29900 - 36700 £ 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. The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.
We are recruiting a research assistant to pursue biomarker leads with potential clinical impact in psychiatry.
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
This post is only available as full-time. However, we can discuss flexible working hours (e.g., starting and finishing earlier in the day) to accommodate your needs. Working remotely is possible for up to 1 day/week .
About the Role
The post is funded for two years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital / Big Data Institute, Old Road Campus.
The successful applicant will perform careful and critical quality control/exploratory data analysis of biobank-scale datasets to understand dataset-specific quirks, biases and confounders. You will write computer code for analysis of large datasets, that can be integrated into pipelines and used by others to reproduce results. You will also be required to perform analyses with clinical/phenotypic data and polygenic scores and other multi-omics datasets using computer code.
Working in a dynamic and multidisciplinary team including data analysts with expertise in multi-omics and biobank analysis, clinician-researchers in psychiatry, and methods developers, you will gain valuable exposure to translational research. This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development as an academic.
About You
You will have a degree in a relevant subject (including, but not limited to, data science, statistics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, etc.) OR strong background in the above, evidenced by previous projects or portfolio. A demonstrable interest in psychiatry and mental health is essential. You will be able to demonstrate excellent coding skills in R and/or Python and the ability to write code in R and/or Python in such a way that data analysis can be streamlined. Experience of contributing to research publications and experience with version control and open-source code would be 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 12:00 midday on 11 July 2025.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 23 July and will be online.
Contact Person :
HR Officer
Vacancy ID :
180209
Contact Phone :
Closing Date & Time :
11-Jul-2025 12:00
Pay Scale :
RESEARCH GRADE 6
Contact Email :
vacancies@psych.ox.ac.uk
Salary (£) :
£34,982-£40,855 per annum
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Research Assistant: Data Science in Psychiatry/Genomics employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant: Data Science in Psychiatry/Genomics
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in psychiatry and genomics. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your coding skills in R and Python. Since the role requires writing code for data analysis, being able to demonstrate your proficiency through practical examples or projects can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of data science and psychiatry. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with researchers on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential technical interviews by practising data analysis problems and coding challenges. Being well-prepared will help you feel more confident and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant: Data Science in Psychiatry/Genomics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter to reflect your interest in the specific role of Research Assistant in Data Science within Psychiatry/Genomics. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and how they align with the department's goals.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous projects or work that demonstrate your coding skills in R and/or Python, as well as your understanding of data analysis in a psychiatric context. Include any contributions to research publications if applicable.
Highlight Your Interest in Psychiatry: Clearly express your passion for psychiatry and mental health in both your cover letter and CV. Mention any relevant coursework, volunteer work, or personal experiences that have shaped your interest in this field.
Prepare for Online Interviews: Since interviews will be conducted online, ensure you have a quiet space and a reliable internet connection. Familiarise yourself with common interview questions related to data science and psychiatry, and prepare to discuss your coding projects in detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Show Your Passion for Psychiatry
Make sure to express your genuine interest in psychiatry and mental health during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to this field, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Coding Skills
Be prepared to discuss your coding experience in R and/or Python. You might be asked to explain how you've used these languages in previous projects, so have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to streamline data analysis.
✨Understand the Research Environment
Familiarise yourself with the University of Oxford's research initiatives, especially those related to psychiatry and genomics. Showing that you understand their work and how it aligns with your skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the role, team dynamics, or ongoing projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.