Quantitative Postdoctoral Researcher - Youth Participation and Mental Health

Location - Department of Social Policy and Intervention, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER

Salary – Grade 7 £39,424-£47,779 per annum

About the role 

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Quantitative Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary team across the UK and Brazil working on the ESRC-funded project ‘Becoming Protagonists: Effectiveness of a Digital Intervention to Promote Youth Participation for Mental Health in Brazil’. 

The project will evaluate ‘Cadê o Kauê?’, a digital intervention that equips students to support their peers’ mental health and take collective action to create more positive school environments, through a national trial in Brazilian state schools. The postholder will play a key role across the trial, from meeting regulatory and ethical requirements through to data management and analysis, while also contributing to other studies within the wider project. 

The role is fixed term for 26 months. The role is being advertised as full time however we will accept applications candidates wishing to work part-time (up to 80% FTE). 

About you 

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant subject with expertise in evaluating interventions and at least one relevant area such as mental health, global health, adolescent, digital or school-based research. You will have the ability to independently manage academic research along with experience in writing academic publications and presenting findings to diverse audiences. You will have experience in navigating regulatory frameworks and knowledge of data management principles, with direct experience of managing large datasets and performing quantitative data analysis using statistical software (e.g. R, Stata, SAS). Strong communication and collaborative skills are essential, alongside the ability to contribute to new research ideas and funding opportunities. Desirable criteria include expertise in cluster randomised trials, qualitative or mixed methods research, patient and public involvement, and research in Brazil and/or other Global South contexts. 

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The hours may be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities and applications are welcomed from part-time workers seeking a job share position - please state preferred hours and working pattern in your application. 

You will be based in Oxford as your normal place of work however there is opportunity for remote working (up to 40% FTE). 

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 in the attached job description. Any further enquires may be directed to the email address below. 

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 4 November 2026 will be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 23 November 2026

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