Research Assistant: Psychopharmacology and Emotion Research (Maternity cover)

Location: Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX

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.

The Research Assistant will work with Professor Catherine Harmer and Dr Marieke Martens on NIHR funded project exploring the neural mechanisms underpinning antidepressant action.  

About the Role

This post is to cover the absence of the substantive postholder, who is taking a period of leave. The post is available from 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2026 or the actual return of the substantive postholder, or the resignation of the substantive postholder and employment of a new postholder, whichever is the earliest.

The post is full-time however (consideration would be given to candidates looking to work part-time – minimum 80% FTE)

You will take an active role in recruiting participants (non-depressed healthy volunteers), scheduling and carrying out participant screening and study assessments for a psychopharmacology study, including 7T MRI scanning, logging and analysing data. The study will require adherence to Good Clinical Practice and liaison with senior researchers as well as medical and nursing professionals.    

About You

You will have a degree in a relevant discipline (eg Neuroscience, Psychology), along with demonstrable research experience, including the ability to independently manage the day-to-day running of a psychopharmacology research study. With a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology or clinical psychology you will have experience running psychological tasks and be able to relate professionally to participants. In addition, you have experience acquiring and analysing (7T) fMRI data. 

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.  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 15 July 2025

Interviews will take place on 28/29 July and will be online

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