Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation
Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation

Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation

Oxford Full-Time 35681 - 46136 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a team researching sleep and recovery in brain injury patients.
  • Company: Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at John Radcliffe Hospital.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on research experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in rehabilitation outcomes while exploring the science of sleep.
  • Qualifications: Experience with data analysis tools like Python, Matlab, or R is a plus.
  • Other info: Full-time role with potential for impactful research until December 2026.

The predicted salary is between 35681 - 46136 £ per year.

Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation

Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU

The role

An exciting opportunity to join the OxCIN Plasticity Group as a postgraduate research assistant to carry out studies investigating sleep, motor learning and recovery in healthy adults and people with brain injury. We have previously demonstrated that people with brain injury, such as stroke, have disrupted sleep, and that sleep quality relates to rehabilitation outcomes and recovery. Sleep is necessary for consolidation of learning, and we therefore seek to explore how sleep changes over time with recovery, how this relates to learning and consolidation, and test novel methods for interacting with the sleeping brain to boost learning.

The postholder will assist with recruitment of participants, data collection, and analysis, as well as contributing to the general running of the plasticity group. The role will involve visiting participants in rehabilitation hospitals and in their homes, as well as overnight sleep studies in the lab.

Techniques would include EEG, actigraphy, and clinical/behavioural assessments in healthy adults and people with brain injury. Prior knowledge of programmes such as Python, Matlab, and/or R would be advantageous.

This role involves data collection in university and hospital buildings as well as in participants\’ homes. The role also requires overnight data collection in the sleep lab. Possibilities for remote/hybrid working will therefore be limited.

Please see the below \”Job Description\” for further details on the role, responsibilities, and selection criteria, as well as further information about the university and how to apply.

This post is full time and fixed term until 31 December 2026 in the first instance.

Only applications received before midday 12:00 on 29th October 2025 will be considered.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

Job Details

  • Contact Person: NDCN HR Recruitment
  • Vacancy ID: 182375
  • Contact Phone:
  • Closing Date & Time: 29-Oct-2025 12:00
  • Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 6
  • Contact Email: recruitment@ndcn.ox.ac.uk
  • Salary (£): £35,681 – £46,136 per annum
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Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (NDCN), John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU

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Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation employer: University of Oxford

The Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences at John Radcliffe Hospital offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where research assistants can engage in groundbreaking studies that directly impact rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with brain injuries. With a strong emphasis on employee development, the department provides opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in innovative research techniques and collaboration with leading experts in the field. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, employees benefit from a rich academic culture and access to world-class facilities, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in clinical research.
University of Oxford

Contact Detail:

University of Oxford Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of sleep and stroke rehabilitation. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research and data collection. Think about how your skills with Python, Matlab, or R can contribute to the role. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience!

Tip Number 3

Show your enthusiasm for the research! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, express your passion for sleep studies and rehabilitation. Let them know why this role excites you and how you can contribute to their team.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation

Data Collection
Data Analysis
EEG Techniques
Actigraphy
Clinical Assessments
Behavioural Assessments
Participant Recruitment
Python Programming
Matlab Programming
R Programming
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Research Methodology
Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in data collection or working with participants, and don’t forget to mention your skills in Python, Matlab, or R if you have them!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sleep research and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to connect your experiences to the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves data analysis and participant interaction, be sure to showcase any previous research experience. Talk about your familiarity with techniques like EEG or actigraphy, and how you've used these in past projects or studies.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily keep track of your application status!

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest research in sleep and stroke rehabilitation. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like motor learning and how sleep impacts recovery. This will not only show your passion for the field but also help you answer questions confidently.

Showcase Your Skills

If you have experience with Python, Matlab, or R, be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools. Highlight any data collection or analysis work you've done, especially if it relates to clinical settings or behavioural assessments.

Prepare for Practical Scenarios

Think about how you would approach participant recruitment and data collection in both hospital and home settings. Be prepared to discuss how you'd handle challenges, such as ensuring participant comfort during overnight studies.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the OxCIN Plasticity Group's current projects or future directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

Research Assistant in Sleep and Stroke Rehabilitation
University of Oxford
Location: Oxford
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