W.A. Handley Professor of Psychiatry

University of Oxford; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a distinguished psychiatrist to fill the prestigious W.A. Handley Professorship of Psychiatry. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful research in mental health, supported by Oxford's world-class infrastructure. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping research strategies, enriching teaching programmes, and contributing to public engagement in science. With a focus on translational neuroscience and clinical care, this position is ideal for a leading researcher eager to influence the future of mental health services and train the next generation of psychiatrists. Join a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in psychiatric research with significant publications.
• Experience in leading complex collaborative research programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities and guide the department's research strategy.
• Contribute to teaching programmes and supervise postgraduate students.

Skills

Leadership in research

Publications in psychiatry

Collaborative research

Training and development

Education

Medical qualification

GMC registration

Membership or Fellowship of Royal College

Job description

Department of Psychiatry in association with Merton College

The Department of Psychiatry and Merton College intend to appoint to the W.A. Handley Professorship of Psychiatry with effect from 1 September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The W.A. Handley Chair was created in 1969 and is one of the most prestigious clinical academic positions in the UK. The position provides an unparalleled opportunity to develop and sustain a large-scale research programme, supported by the world-leading clinical research infrastructure in Oxford.

The scope of the post holder’s research can be flexible but is likely to fit with Oxford’s significant strengths in translational neuroscience, experimental medicine, therapeutic discovery or data science. Mental health is a priority for the University which is working closely with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to redevelop the Warneford Hospital site as a centre for translational neuroscience and clinical care. This context provides the W.A. Handley Professor with a unique opportunity to influence research strategy and the future of mental health care in one of the world’s leading clinical academic campuses.

You will be expected to play a major leadership role in the research activities of the Department of Psychiatry, and to help guide their research strategy. You will make a significant contribution to teaching programmes and the development of the curriculum in your specialist area, and you will supervise postgraduate students. You will help the department maintain and enrich its diverse and collaborative culture. You will contribute significantly to public engagement with science and to efforts to widen access and participation.

You will be a practising psychiatrist at NHS consultant level. You will support Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in the provision of mental health services and take a leadership role in recruiting and training future generations of psychiatrists.

You should be a leading researcher with a proven track record of publications and distinction in research in a subject area directly related to the post, and of attracting and managing significant research income. You should have experience of leading complex collaborative research programmes and of providing specialist advice to external stakeholders. You should be able to demonstrate a commitment to the training and development of the next generation of neuroscientists. If appointed to a clinical post you must be medically qualified, GMC registered and a Member, or Fellow, of the relevant Royal College.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on Monday 14 April 2025.

If you would like to discuss this post, please contact Professor Belinda Lennox, Head of Department, on [phone] or [e-mail]. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.