Research Assistant: All About Me project - Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research

Location: Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3EL

Contract Type: Fixed term (2 years) 

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 to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between children and young people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early in life.     

This is an exciting opportunity for a research assistant to join a research project titled “All About Me” led by Dr Jiedi Lei (Principal Investigator).  The “All About Me” project works with young people, families, and educators to develop a neurodiversity-affirming toolkit to explore character strengths, abilities, and potential across contexts. In this role, key responsibilities will include coordinating and supporting public and patient involvement (PPI) activities, and conducting experimental research to demonstrate the value of a strengths-based approach. 

About the Role

The post is funded for 2 years. The post is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building in Oxford. 

In this Research Assistant role, you will conduct and support experimental research designed to demonstrate the value of a strengths-based approach. You will also be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project and contribute to wider project planning, including the development of ideas for new research projects. You will coordinate public and patient involvement (PPI) activities for the research group, including organising meetings, producing newsletters and maintaining communication with stakeholders. Working closely with participating sites, including schools and charities, you will support the recruitment and retention of participants. You will also contribute to research publications, book chapters and reviews, as well as public engagement activities to disseminate the project’s findings. 

About You 

You will hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology or related healthcare profession (e.g., medicine). You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the disciplines of neurodiversity to work within established research programs. Experience in supporting with the building and using Artificial Intelligence and/machine learning in research or clinical settings, and/or with setting up and managing Massive Open Online Courses or online learning platforms is desirable. 

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 (via the 'Apply' button above). Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process 

The closing date for applications is Friday, 3rd July 2026. Interviews are expected to take place mid-July 2026 and may be held either in person or online, depending on candidates’ preferences.

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