Research Assistant in Mental Health and Behavioural Medicine

We are inviting applications for an exciting new post for a Research Assistant to work with Dr Megan Kirk Chang on an interdisciplinary research program on the Oxford Health BRC Preventing Multiple Morbidities Theme. The post holder will become a valuable member of a newly formed group working with Principal Investigator, Dr Megan Kirk Chang, on cross-departmental projects between Primary Care, Psychiatry, and Sleep Medicine. This award is for an exciting project embedding wearable technology to understand the impact of sleep, diet, exercise, and mental illness on cognitive function in adults with mental illness and multiple long-term conditions. The post holder will also become a valuable member of a newly formed Mental Health in Primary Care Research Group in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences led by Professor Kam Bhui CBE and Dr Megan Kirk Chang, and will have a role in shaping the team ethos and future projects within a supportive team environment.

The successful applicant will work in project groups to support and develop primarily experimental and intervention-based research projects led by others. There will be opportunities to lead sections of projects and working collaboratively with others. The research methods primarily include the use of wearable technology to understand sleep structure, mental health, and energy expenditure which primarily involves quantitative data collection and statistical analysis, and possibly additional qualitative data. The postholder would be expected to engage the public in shaping their research programme, and disseminating the outcomes to academic audiences and other stakeholders such as policymakers and the public. Responsibilities will include supporting research and administrative activities related to the BRC including gathering, analysing, writing and presenting quantitative data outcomes. Preparation of research materials for clinical trials, participant recruitment initiatives and supporting the implementation of behavioural trials in a supportive team environment. The post holder may also have the opportunity to be involved in other research projects within the existing research group.

The successful applicant will hold a relevant undergraduate and masters degree in epidemiology, data science, biomedical statistics, neurosciences, cognitive sciences or related discipline. Demonstrating potential of academic attainment, sufficient specialist knowledge in quantitative methods, experimental designs, epidemiology, or nutrition sciences to work within established research programmes. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Team Science Approach, with the ability to manage multiple research tasks and work independently in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.

You will be based in the Gibson Building, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work. There may be the opportunity for occasional remote working in consultation with your line manager.

The position is full-time and fixed term for 12 months, with a possibility of extension, pending funding.

For further information or discuss the post please contact the Principal Investigator, Dr Megan Kirk Chang, Senior Researcher, Behavioural Medicine and Mental Health at megan.kirkchang@phc.ox.ac.uk.

“Committed to equality and valuing diversity”

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 29 August 2025.

Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 22 September 2025.

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