Postdoctoral Researcher

Location: Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Brain, Speech & Language Research Group led by Kate Watkins within the Department of Experimental Psychology. The post is funded by the European Research Council for the STUTTER project, which investigates the neural mechanisms underlying stuttering across the lifespan.

The successful applicant will lead a longitudinal study of children who stutter and children who do not stutter, using behavioural assessments and brain imaging methods to investigate why stuttering persists in some children but resolves in others. The postholder will be responsible for participant recruitment, behavioural and neuroimaging assessments, data collection and management, and will contribute to publications, conference presentations and other research outputs arising from the project.

The post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. Flexible working, including evenings, weekends and school holidays, may occasionally be required. The role is based in the Life and Mind Building and involves work at the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity in Headington, Oxford.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, speech and language sciences, or a related discipline. Experience of human participant research and behavioural and/or neuroimaging methods is essential. Experience of research involving children, speech and language disorders, MRI or MEG would be advantageous.

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 University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being an inclusive institution where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement addressing the selection criteria, your CV, and the contact details of two referees as part of your application. For further details please refer to the “How to apply” section of the job description. Click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for applications is midday on 13 November 2026 and only applications received by this date will be considered.

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