Clinical Researcher, Psycho-pharmacomicrobiomics

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.  

About the Role

This 12-month post will be based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital and is ideal for an early-career clinician seeking to build a clinical academic career at the interface of psychiatry, pharmacology, and microbiome research.

The postholder will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team investigating microbiome–drug interactions, focusing on how the gut microbiome influences the metabolism, efficacy, and tolerability of psychiatric medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Key responsibilities include coordinating data and biosample collection from psychiatric patients recruited in Oxford and across national and international sites (including in the UK, Europe, and Australia). Travel to collaborating sites is possible and encouraged.

In addition to clinical coordination, the postholder will have the opportunity to engage in data analysis, contribute to high-impact publications, and develop independent research interests. Training and mentorship will be provided to support development in translational methods (e.g. in vitro and germ-free mouse models), clinical data science, and large-scale database analysis (e.g., FinnBrain, NeuroBlu, TriNetX).

There will be excellent clinical exposure through psychopharmacology services in Oxford, London, Liverpool, and Cambridge. The successful candidate will be strongly supported in building a competitive DPhil or Fellowship application as part of a long-term clinical academic pathway.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and curious clinician with a strong interest in translational research and a clear ambition to pursue a clinical academic career. They will hold a medical degree, be registered with the GMC, and have completed Foundation Training in the UK. They should demonstrate a strong interest in neuropsychiatric research. Prior experience in clinical research, including patient recruitment and biosample collection, will be important, as will excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The successful candidate will be actively involved in data analysis and academic outputs, including peer-reviewed publications. A willingness to work across disciplines and to engage with collaborators in academic, NHS, and industry settings will be essential.

Desirable attributes include experience working on multi-site research studies, familiarity with ethics applications and participant-facing documentation, and a background in psychopharmacology. Experience with data analysis—whether clinical or biological—would be an additional asset.

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 30 June 2025 

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