GPI Postdoctoral Research Officer

About the role

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Officer to work on the Global Parenting Initiative (GPI).The GPI is a five-year, multi-million pound, international collaboration of universities, foundations, and implementing partners, with the bold aim of providing access to free, evidence-based, playful parenting support to every parent, everywhere, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to help their children realise their learning potential and to prevent child sexual abuse, exploitation, and family violence. Funds supporting this project are provided by the LEGO Foundation. 

The Postdoctoral Research Officer role provides an exciting opportunity to lead the GPI’s expansion into a new and impactful area of research, harnessing the power of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to impact millions of families globally. Building on large-scale research and implementation of parenting programmes in the Global South, the successful candidate will draw on existing datasets and behavioural science frameworks to create a large language model (LLM)-powered tool that supports key behaviour change techniques central to parenting programmes and other behavioural interventions. The postholder will also contribute to developing the next generation of digital parenting solutions and be actively involved in research dissemination and grant writing. 

About you

You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in a relevant field, in addition to experience of implementing or fine-tuning LLMs using machine learning libraries or APIs. You will be proficient in coding for the development and evaluation of AI-based tools with real-world applications (including Python or similar programming languages) and have knowledge of behavioural change techniques and their application in parenting or public health interventions. With a track record of conducting and publishing research in a relevant field, you will have strong quantitative analysis skills and experience in statistical modelling, data wrangling, and analysis of complex behavioural datasets using R, Stata, or other statistical software packages. Experience of developing or evaluating digital tools with a focus on user-centred design and writing successful research grant applications is also desirable.

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which demonstrates our commitment towards advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all. 

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our family-friendly ethos allows for hours to be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities.

Applications are particularly welcome from ethnic minority candidates.

The position is offered full-time, for a fixed term until 31 December 2026 and will be based in Oxford with opportunities for remote working within the UK. 

How to apply

As part of your application you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement, along with the name and contact details of two referees. The supporting statement should explain how you meet the essential criteria for the post using clear examples. Please click here for information and advice on writing an effective supporting statement.

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 19 August 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held Thursday 11 September 2025.

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