Postdoctoral Researcher

Location: Oxford – Department of Social Policy and Intervention

About the role 

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a research group within the Accelerate Research Hub. Reporting to Prof Lucie Cluver, you will have responsibility for carrying out research related to the evaluation and development of digital parenting interventions, including the ParentApp and PARENT PROTECT programmes. You will contribute to a discrete area of a larger research portfolio focused on the design, implementation, and analysis of pilot studies and randomised controlled trials. 

You will provide guidance and support to junior members of the research group and work closely with the wider research team and international partners to ensure the delivery of high-quality research, contributing to the development and dissemination of findings from the programme. 

About you 

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil (e.g. psychology, public health, statistics, social policy, or a related field), along with sufficient specialist knowledge in quantitative research methods, intervention evaluations, and randomised controlled trials or implementation research. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to manage academic research and coordinate complex, multi‑component projects, often involving diverse partners and timelines. You will bring experience conducting research on parenting, child development, family interventions, or related areas of prevention science, particularly within African countries and with a focus on reducing child maltreatment and sexual violence. A high level of competence in research data management and statistical analysis is essential, including experience with data cleaning, merging, analysis, and interpretation. 

You will have a strong track record of contributing to peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and other multi‑authored outputs. You should also be able to demonstrate your ability to support new research development, including grant writing and generating research income. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also essential. 

Experience of independently leading research analysis or managing data infrastructure for complex studies, including international collaboration across institutions would also be an advantage, along with experience in developing and evaluating digital parenting interventions and/or actively collaborating in the development of multi-author research publications. 

There is opportunity for some remote working however you will spend a minimum of 2 days per week in the office in Oxford. 

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. 

How to apply  

As part of your application you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement, along with the name and contact details of two referees. The supporting statement should explain how you meet each of the essential selection criteria for the post using clear examples. This may include experience and skills gained in employment, education or during career breaks (such as time out for dependents). Please DO NOT attach any other documents to your application as these will not be considered. 

Further information, including how to apply, is available via the 'Apply' button above. Any further enquires may be directed to hrteam@spi.ox.ac.uk. 

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 15th June 2026 will be considered. Interviews are expected to be held on 6th July 2026. 

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