Research Assistant: MARGINS

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.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the MARGINS (Mental health And Restrictions: Generating new INSights) study in the Department of Psychiatry

The post is full-time and funded for two years. It is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital. Applicants must be available to start by 1 February 2027 at the latest.

You will work primarily on the project's longitudinal study, which will follow young people aged 10-17 across four waves of data collection to understand how their digital experiences, behaviours and mental health change as technology restrictions are introduced.

Working closely with the OxWell Project Manager and senior researchers, you will manage your own research and administration activities relating to the study, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.

You will contribute to the planning, set-up and day-to-day delivery of the longitudinal study, including preparation of study materials, coordination of data collection across four waves, and identifying opportunities to improve study procedures and participant retention. You will also select, follow and, where appropriate, adapt established quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies to gather, analyse and present data, identifying suitable alternative approaches when methodological or practical challenges arise.

The post involves the day-to-day delivery of a longitudinal study with children and young people, including participant recruitment, engagement and follow-up, and therefore requires regular on-site. Some flexibility to work remotely may be possible, subject to the operational requirements of the study and agreement with the line manager.

You will hold a first undergraduate degree in psychology, health sciences, social sciences or another relevant discipline, together with relevant research experience. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge of relevant research methods to contribute to an established research programme and exercise judgement in applying appropriate approaches. Experience of conducting research with adolescents aged approximately 12-18 years, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing is essential. Experience of recruiting and engaging research participants, with an understanding of research ethics, confidentiality and data protection, is also essential.

Experience of longitudinal research and/or repeated follow-up of research participants and of mental health research and/or research into young people's digital environments or experiences would be desirable.