Research Associate

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

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated researcher to join the Department of Education as part of an established research group led by the Principal Investigator. This post offers an exciting opportunity to play a central intellectual and leadership role in developing a major new international research project.

The primary responsibility of the postholder will be to lead the development and writing of a large-scale grant application that will extend the current 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, into a multi-country mixed-methods study.

The proposed extension will scale the work internationally, focusing on secondary and college-aged young people in Pakistan and South Africa. The project aims to examine how education shapes young people’s capacity to aspire, sustain hope, and pursue flourishing amid political instability, climate-related challenges, and economic precarity.

The expanded programme will involve interdisciplinary collaboration, international research partnerships, and knowledge exchange activities. A strong emphasis will be placed on ethical, culturally informed, and context-sensitive research design.

The role requires a high degree of independence, alongside the ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team. You will bring strong research expertise, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to contribute creatively to the development of a major interdisciplinary project. You will hold a relevant PhD/DPhil, or nearing completion in education, psychology, sociology, or a related social science discipline, together with relevant experience.

The appointment is fixed-term until 31 December 2026, available immediately, on a variable hours basis. 

Only applications received before midday on Monday, 23rd February 2026 will be considered. You will be asked to upload a CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application.

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