Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to research the impact of autobiographical thinking on young people's mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and trauma. Candidates must hold a relevant PhD/DPhil and possess substantial research experience in mental health, especially in neurodivergence. This full-time role, based in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, is fixed term to 31 March 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducted research on emotional and autobiographical thinking.
• Hands-on experience working with individuals with mental health difficulties.
• Understanding of trauma, PTSD, and anxiety in neurodivergent individuals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on emotional impact on young people's mental health.
• Work within the established research programme.
• Engage in hands-on research and mentorship.

Skills

Cognitive theory

Mental health in autism

Research experience with neurodivergent individuals

Education

Relevant PhD/DPhil or equivalent

Job description

Candidates are invited to apply for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the translational clinical psychology research group reporting to Dr Alex Lau-Zhu.

The post is full-time (37.5 hours per week), fixed term to 31 March 2026.

Currently located in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Experimental Psychology will be moving to the new, purpose-built Life and Mind Building a multidisciplinary research and teaching facility due to open in the summer of 2025.

The post holder's overall responsibility is to conduct innovative discovery and applied research on emotional, imagery-based, autobiographical thinking and its impact on young people's mental health (focusing on ages 13-24), with a focus on anxiety, trauma, and neurodiversity.

A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required due to regulated activity involving children and 'at risk' adults.

The successful candidate will hold, or have submitted a relevant PhD/DPhil (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology, Psychiatry) together with relevant experience. They will have sufficient specialist knowledge in cognitive theory and mental health in autism, including in relation to trauma/PTSD and anxiety, to work within the established research programme. Substantial hands-on research and professional experience of working with individuals with mental health difficulties, including first-hand involvement with neurodivergent/autistic individuals is also required.

Closing date for applications is midday on 1 August 2025.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a supporting statement detailing how you meet the selection criteria, your CV, and the contact details of two referees as part of your application. To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please see the link below.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.

Contact Person :

Vacancy ID :

180927

Contact Phone :

01865 271444

Closing Date & Time :

01-Aug-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 7

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

Grade 7.1: £38,674 per annum