Graduate Research Assistant

University-of-Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Discounted bus travel

Season Ticket travel loans

Social and sports clubs

Job summary

University of Oxford is inviting applications for a Graduate Research Assistant to join the Brain, Speech & Language Research Group in the Department of Experimental Psychology. The post funds a randomised controlled trial on non-invasive brain stimulation with speech fluency training in adults who stutter.

It is a full-time, fixed-term role for 2 years, with possible extension depending on funding and occasional flexibility for evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• A good first degree (2:1) in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, speech and language sciences, or related.
• Experience with experimental research methods and behavioural assessment is essential.
• Experience with MRI/MEG or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a randomised controlled trial on brain stimulation with speech fluency training.
• Contribute to participant recruitment and delivery of experimental procedures.
• Data collection and analysis; prepare publications, reports and conference presentations.
• Work with outcomes measured using speech recordings, MRI and MEG.

Skills

Experimental methods

Behavioural assessment

Neuroimaging

Brain stimulation

Education

2:1 degree in cognitive neuroscience/psychology/SLT or related

Tools

MRI

MEG

Non-invasive brain stimulation

Job description

Life and Mind Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3EL

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

The successful applicant will assist with a randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation combined with speech fluency training in adults who stutter. Working closely with the Principal Investigator and postdoctoral researcher, the postholder will contribute to participant recruitment, delivery of experimental procedures, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of publications, reports and conference presentations. Outcomes will be evaluated using speech recordings, MRI and MEG.

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 and weekends, 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 a good first degree (at least a 2:1) in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, speech and language sciences, or a related discipline. Experience of experimental research methods, behavioural assessment and/or neuroimaging research is essential. Experience of MRI, MEG or non-invasive brain stimulation techniques 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:

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• 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.

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