Post-Doctoral Researcher in Inequality, Social Policy, and Social Mobility

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

About the role

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking an experienced Post-Doctoral Researcher in Inequality, Social Policy, and Social Mobility to join ExpPov: The Experience of Poverty in the Post-Industrial Economy, a research project exploring poverty and economic inequality in contemporary societies. Reporting to Professor Zachary Parolin (Professor of Social Policy, Inequality, and Opportunity and Director of the INET Oxford programme on Economics, Inequality, and Opportunity), you will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment committed to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your research profile whilst contributing to an ambitious programme of research. The successful candidate will conduct independent and collaborative research on economic inequality with a specific focus on income inequality, poverty, social mobility, policy analysis, or similar. You will collaborate with researchers across the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) Oxford programme on Economics, Inequality, and Opportunity, as well as contributing to academic publications, research presentations and the wider dissemination of findings. You will also help develop new research ideas, projects and opportunities for research funding and may provide guidance to research assistants and doctoral students where appropriate.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline, together with relevant experience and knowledge of inequality, social policy, or social mobility. You will be skilled at managing your own academic research and associated activities and possess excellent communications skills, with experience of contributing to academic publications and presentations. Experience of independently managing a defined area of a research project and collaborating on articles for academic publication would be also an advantage.

You will be based in Oxford as your normal place of work however there is opportunity for remote working on days with no meetings or seminars.

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 1 December 2026 will be considered. Interviews will be held week commencing 14 December 2026.

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