Part-time Research Assistant; Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research

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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 Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre that aims to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early.   

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support an MRC-funded feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial, led by Dr Chloe Chessell, examining a brief online parent-led Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention for children aged 5 to 12 years with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

About the Role

The post is funded for 6 months and is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building.   The post is part-time (60% FTE) and available on a flexible hybrid basis.   The minimum on-site time is 3 days/week for a full-time post

You will support the day-to-day running of the feasibility RCT, including administrative tasks, supporting recruitment activities, and liaising with clinical teams. You will manage your own research and administrative activities within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.  

You will conduct clinical diagnostic interviews (including the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule [ADIS] and Children’s Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale [CYBOCS]) with parents and children, and undertake qualitative interviews with parents, children, therapists and other key stakeholders to understand treatment experiences and implementation barriers. You will contribute to literature reviews, research publications and presentations, regularly enter and check data, and represent the research group at meetings and seminars.

About You

You will hold a first degree in psychology and have experience of working with families and children affected by common mental health problems in a clinical and/or research setting. You will have experience working with clinical staff and study team members, and sufficient specialist knowledge to work within established research programmes.  

You will have excellent organisational, record keeping and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage your own research and administrative activities. You will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, well-developed IT skills (including MS Word and Excel), and experience contributing to publications or presenting research findings.

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. Please 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 9 March 2026

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