Qualitative Research Assistant

Location: Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG 

Applications are invited for a Qualitative Research Assistant to join the Medical Sociology and Health Experiences Research Group (MS&HERG) within the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. 

The post is funded for 21 months, from 1 January 2027, by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Policy Research Unit (PRU) in Reproductive Health. The study aims to explore adolescent reproductive health needs and interventions to address these. The Principal Investigators are Dr Abigail McNiven and Professor Katy Vincent, with the wider PRU led by Professor Jenny Hall and Professor Judith Stephenson at University College London (UCL). 

The post-holder will work closely with Dr Abigail McNiven and Professor Katy Vincent, a post-doctoral researcher at UCL, and the wider PRU team. They will contribute to all aspects of the research study, including ethics and research governance, study recruitment, data collection, qualitative analysis and reporting. Through qualitative analysis, the post-holder will explore adolescent reproductive health concerns through existing literature, survey data and focus groups. There may be opportunities to contribute to additional PRU projects.

You will be a qualitative or mixed methods social scientist with a MA or MSc in a relevant Social Science subject (e.g. Sociology, Social Policy, Social Geography), demonstrable experience in qualitative and mixed methods, and who is able to use social science theory-driven approaches to analysis. Previous experience of research in reproductive health and/or with young people and/or with policy would be advantageous. The role requires you to have a high level of communication and writing skills appropriate for different audiences. You should have the ability to work autonomously, while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team across institutions. The ability to work sensitively and develop rapport and trust with research participants from different backgrounds is also essential. 

The successful candidate must be able to start in post no later than January 2027. 

You will be based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work. Consideration may be given to some remote working days, where appropriate. We expect data collection to be largely face to face, so the research will involve visits to participants across the UK and the necessary travel and overnight stays to enable this. 

For further information or to discuss the post, please contact Dr Abigail McNiven (abigail.mcniven@phc.ox.ac.uk). 

Committed to equality and valuing diversity 

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Please also briefly explain how the responsibilities and level of this Research Assistant position align with your current career goals and interests. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application. 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 27 November 2026. 

Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing Monday 14 December 2026.

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