Postgraduate Research Assistant

This is a part time (0.4fte) fixed term post.

We are looking for a postgraduate research assistant in Psychology for an exciting opportunity to be involved in a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The post is funded at two days a week for 21 months from 1st September 2026.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join the From Womb to World project, an interdisciplinary study investigating how early auditory environments shape language development in preterm infants. The project aims to create and evaluate a personalised, womb-like acoustic environment in neonatal care units, using parental voice recordings and simulated intrauterine sounds, and to compare outcomes with standard neonatal care and full-term infants.

The role will involve supporting recruitment, data collection with infants and families, contributing to public and community engagement activities, and assisting with data management and dissemination. The successful candidate must have a good undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline (or be nearing completion). Experience of working with children and families is essential.

*Please note: The successful applicant will need to be subject to a enhanced background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) before any appointment can be confirmed.

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the points based immigration system.

Benefits:

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme  with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
• An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
• Discounted travel options
• TOTUM card discount scheme
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
• Training and development opportunities
• A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

Inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles at Oxford Brookes. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone is celebrated, valued, and given equal opportunities. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates who share our values, regardless of background.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

As part of the application process all applicants are required to complete our online application form by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button on the Oxford Brookes vacancy page. You will be routed to this when you click on the above “Apply” button.

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