Research Assistant in Medical Data Science

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 looking for a Research Assistant in Medical Data Science to join our IMPACT-SMI research programme. Our mission with IMPACT-SMI is to transform the lives of millions of people with severe mental illness (SMI) by making their condition more predictable and manageable.

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

This post is available on a flexible hybrid basis, minimum 3 days in the office.

About the Role

The post is funded until 31 October 2027 and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

You will be given access to large datasets spanning millions of patients with mental illness to contribute to a range of projects including the development of novel prediction tools, the investigation of determinants of symptom instability, and the creation of data-driven personalised treatment approaches.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with academic and industry partners, gaining valuable exposure to translational research. Your work will directly contribute to the creation of tools (by software developers) designed for integration into clinical practice, ensuring tangible impact on patient care.

About You

You will have a first degree in a relevant subject (including, but not limited to, data science, statistics, computer science, engineering, mathematics, etc.), along with prior experience analysing electronic health records data from large mental health electronic health records systems. Demonstrable ability to write code in R and/or Python in such a way that data analysis can be streamlined is essential as is the ability to apply fundamental data science techniques.  Experience of contributing to research publications and with version control and open-source code would be desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

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

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on  6 January 2026