Postdoctoral Researcher: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Location: Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX

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 Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry. The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.

This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to join the CHiMEs research group with the responsibility for carrying out research for a new study looking at evaluating recruitment strategies for young people who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to a digital serious game (Ace of Hearts).

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis, with on-site working required on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

About the Role

The post is funded until 31 March 2028 and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.  

You will manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management, to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines. You will Prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate. You will represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

About You

You will have or to be close to completion of a relevant PhD/Dphil, together with relevant experience. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. You will have experience of working with/ability to engage effectively with adolescents from diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced adversity or challenging life circumstances.

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 13 July 2026.

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