Postdoctoral Research Assistant

University of Oxford; United States; Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention at University of Oxford invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join an 18-month NIHR-funded mixed-methods study examining how developmental trauma in infants entering care is recognised, assessed and addressed across health and social care services in England.

You will work with the Principal Investigator and wider team, contribute to all study stages, and support junior researchers while developing policy-relevant

Qualifications

• PhD/DPhil in social policy, social work, psychology, public health or related discipline.
• Strong expertise in mixed-methods research and evaluation.
• Ability to work independently within an established research programme.
• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams and delivering outputs on time.
• Experience contributing to publications/presentations and grant ideas.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to all stages of the NIHR-funded study.
• Support and supervise junior researchers and project volunteers.
• Coordinate multiple workstreams and manage research activities.
• Write for publication and present research proposals and results.

Skills

Mixed-methods research

Independent research planning

Project management

Academic writing

Communication skills

Education

PhD/DPhil in social policy or related field

Job description

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join an exciting 18-month National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded mixed-methods study exploring how developmental trauma in infants entering care is recognised, assessed, and addressed across health and social care services in England.

The study combines stakeholder co-design, a national survey of health and social care professionals, six local authority case studies, qualitative interviews and focus groups, integration of quantitative and qualitative findings, and stakeholder workshops to develop evidence-informed recommendations for policy and practice.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator and wider research team, you will make a substantial contribution to all stages of the research. You will also provide guidance and support to junior members of the research group, including research assistants, master's students, and project volunteers.

You will hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD/DPhil in social policy, social work, psychology, public health, health services research, or a closely related discipline. You will have strong expertise in mixed-methods research and evaluation, together with the ability to work independently within an established research programme. You will be experienced in planning and managing research activities, coordinating multiple workstreams, and delivering high-quality research outputs to agreed timelines.

You will have experience of contributing to publications/presentations and will be able to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation. You will have experience of liaising with researchers in local authorities and providing guidance, as well as project planning/managing project activities and excellent organisational skills. With excellent communication skills, you are able to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The hours may be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities.

You will be based in Oxford as your normal place of work however there is opportunity for some remote working.

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which demonstrates our commitment towards advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all.