Post-doctoral researcher; The Oxford Psychological Interventions in Childhood and adolescence (TOPIC)

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work within the growing TOPIC (The Oxford Psychological Interventions in Childhood and adolescence) research group on a large child and adolescent mental health service-based treatment trial for anxiety disorders among 5–12-year-old autistic children, funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care Research (NIHR).

The trial will compare a therapist-guided online psychological intervention to help parents to help their autistic children with anxiety problems or treatment as usual. A subsample of parents, children, and clinicians will be invited to take part in qualitative interviews.

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 

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis.   The minimum on-site time is 2 days/week

About the Role

The post is funded for 26 months and is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Anna Watts Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford.  The post is full-time, but we would also welcome applications from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 80% FTE).

You will manage lead and monitor all qualitative aspects of the research programme. This will involve working closely with investigators, NHS/local authority child and adolescent mental health services (and third section organisations that provide services on behalf of the NHS/LAs), and parents/children with relevant lived experience to support the successful delivery of the qualitative component of the project.

You will contribute to the design of qualitative research materials, and applications for regulatory approvals.

You will also support child participation, working with PPI, to choose a creative ‘menu’ of participation modes, e.g., a digital pinboard for images and memes and recruit parents, children, and clinicians to participate in qualitative interviews. This will involve close liaison with clinical teams and families.

About You

You will have or be close to the completion of a PhD/DPhil in psychology or a relevant field. With relevant research experience, you will be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in qualitative research methods, preferably including either Template or Framework analysis as well as experience of using software to manage qualitative datasets (e.g., NVivo or similar). 

Experience of working effectively with families (who may be experiencing challenging circumstances) and clinicians as well as being able to engage and communication with young people who may be autistic or anxious is essential.  Knowledge or child anxiety presentation and treatment and evidence commitment to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research would be desirable. 

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active  

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.

The closing date for applications is 16 April 2025 

Interviews will take place during weeks commencing 28 April/5 May