Senior Researcher; Climate change and child mental health

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Senior Researcher to lead groundbreaking research on the mental health impacts of climate change on children. This role offers the chance to shape a vital research agenda, develop impactful intervention strategies, and engage with diverse stakeholders to drive meaningful change. With a focus on both direct and indirect effects of climate change, you will contribute to global public health initiatives and influence policy recommendations. Join a collaborative and inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes work-life balance, making a significant impact on future generations' mental health.

Benefits

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Membership to social and sports clubs

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in relevant discipline required.
• Strong track record in securing research funding and publishing.

Responsibilities

• Shape the department's research agenda on climate change and child mental health.
• Develop intervention strategies to improve mental health in low-resource settings.

Skills

Research Funding

Psychosocial Intervention Development

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Policy Engagement

Education

PhD in Clinical Psychology

PhD in Public Health

PhD in Sociology

Job description

Senior Researcher; Climate change and child mental health

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.

In association with Reuben College, we are seeking an outstanding Senior Researcher to establish a programme of research and lead pioneering work on the mental health impacts of climate change on children and adolescents. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a rapidly emerging field with profound implications for global public health, social justice and child development.

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:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme

• 38 days annual leave

• A comprehensive range of childcare services

• Family leave schemes

• Cycle loan scheme

• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

We recognise the importance of flexibility in supporting work-life balance and professional commitments. While we expect the appointed individual to be an integral part of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team and to be primarily based on-site to facilitate collaboration, departmental engagement, and team integration, we are open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate

About the Role

The post is open ended and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

You will play a strategic role in shaping the department's research agenda in this field, examining both direct (e.g. trauma, displacement) and indirect (e.g. eco-anxiety, climate-related stressors) of climate change on child mental health. You will have the opportunity to develop intervention strategies to improve mental health, particularly in low-resource settings, and translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

The post will be held in association with Reuben College, and the successful candidate will be appointed to a coterminous Official Fellowship at Reuben College for an initial 5-year period, with renewal dependent on satisfactory performance in college duties. As a Fellow, you will participate in the governance, intellectual life and interdisciplinary activities of this graduate College.

This post presents an exceptional opportunity to establish a foundational research program in an urgent and expanding field. You will contribute to global efforts to mitigate the mental health consequences of climate change and develop evidence-based solutions that improve the mental health of future generations.

About You

You will have a PhD or equivalent in clinical or experimental psychology, psychiatry, public health, sociology or relevant discipline. With a strong track record of securing competitive research funding and publishing influential research, you will have a clear vision for how to develop and expand the field of climate change and child mental health, both within Oxford and internationally.

Expertise in psychosocial intervention development and research within low-resource or displaced populations would be desirable as would experience leading interdisciplinary research in child and adolescent mental health, trauma, or anxiety or other relevant field, and demonstrated ability to also engage with policymakers, NGOs, and international organizations to drive meaningful change.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process

The closing date for applications is 16 June 2025.

Interviews will take place during week commencing 30 June 2025 and will be face to face.

Contact Person :

HR Team

Vacancy ID :

178176

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

16-Jun-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 10

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

£64,228 - £74,191 p.a. (pro rata)