Research Associate

Location: University of Oxford. 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford, OX2 6PY

About the Role

The Department of Education is seeking a part-time Research Associate to join the project Developing a socially sensitive research approach to higher education aspirations: exploring the hopes and aspirations of British sixth form students of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, funded by the John Fell Fund.

The postholder will be based at 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford, and will report to Dr Aliya Khalid (Senior Departmental Lecturer in Comparative and International Education) and Dr Stephanie Nowack (Postdoctoral Researcher).

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a socially engaged and methodologically innovative study exploring how British Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage sixth form students and their families navigate pathways to higher education. The research aims to develop culturally sensitive, participatory approaches to understanding hope and aspiration, drawing on and adapting Snyder’s Hope Theory.

The postholder will lead on the quantitative components of the study, including:

• Conducting a literature review on existing hope scales.
• Developing and piloting a culturally responsive survey tool.
• Designing and implementing a representative sampling strategy.
• Supporting participant recruitment and data collection in collaboration with schools and community partners.
• Contributing to project planning, data analysis, publications, and dissemination activities.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in education, psychology, sociology, or a related social science discipline, with proven expertise in quantitative research, including survey design, scale development, and advanced statistical analysis. Experience of working in educational contexts, engaging with schools or students, and proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata, or R are essential.

Experience working with British Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage communities, familiarity with Hope Theory, or involvement in mixed-methods research teams would be advantageous.

This post is part time (0.4 FTE) and offered on a six month fixed term basis.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online (via the ‘Apply’ button above) and you will be required to upload a supporting statement and a CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement must explain how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post.

Only applications received before 12.00 midday on Friday 24 October 2025 will be considered. Interviews are anticipated to be held week commencing 27 October 2025.

Advert information