Researcher in Inequality, Social Policy, and Social Mobility

About the role 

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention wishes to appoint three part-time Research Assistants (RAs) to work on a project related to economic and social inequality in high-income countries. The Research Assistants will work directly with Prof. Zachary Parolin. This a good opportunity for a PhD/DPhil student to gain more experience in research and contribute to publications in the area of economic inequality.

The desired candidates should contribute to research in one of three areas: 

(1) use of LLMs and incorporation of artificial intelligence into inequality research,

(2) the study of policy strategies to reduce inequality in high-income countries, and/or 

(3) the study of social mobility and its relationship to economic inequality. Candidates should specify in their application materials which of the three projects they are most interested in working on.

About you

 You are working toward a doctorate in a social science discipline (or a relevant data science field), have interest and research in the field of economic and experience in data management and analysis. Demonstrable experience of working with quantitative data and relevant software (Stata, R, Python, or similar) would be advantageous.

This is a part-time (12 hours per week / 0.32FTE) fixed-term post for 12 months.  

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 University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

 How to apply

As part of your application you will be required to upload a CV and one page 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 also identify which of the three projects described above that you are most interested in working on. Please click here for information and advice on writing an effective supporting statement.

Further information, including how to apply, is available by clicking the 'Apply' button above. 

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 24 October 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held on 10 November 2025.

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