Research Assistant: MARGINS

Overview

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford is offering a full-time, fixed-term research assistant position to work on the MARGINS study, which examines mental health and restrictions. The role is based at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford and is funded for two years, with a mandatory start date by 1 February 2027 at the latest. The project follows children and young people aged 10 to 17 across four waves of data collection to explore how mental health, digital experiences, and behaviours change when technology restrictions are implemented.

What you get

The position offers an annual salary ranging from £35,681 to £39,424, corresponding to Grade 6.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a first undergraduate degree in social sciences, health sciences, psychology, or another relevant discipline, along with relevant research experience and sufficient specialist knowledge in appropriate research methods. Essential qualifications include prior experience conducting research focused on mental health and wellbeing with adolescents aged approximately 12 to 18 years, as well as experience in participant recruitment and engagement while understanding research ethics, confidentiality, and data protection. Desirable qualifications include background in longitudinal research or participant follow-up, mental health research, and studies involving young people's digital environments.

How to apply

Candidates must submit an online application that includes a CV, the contact details of two referees, and a covering letter or supporting statement. The supporting statement must explicitly address how the applicant meets each of the essential and desirable criteria individually.

Key dates

The deadline to submit applications is 12:00 midday on 11 November 2026. The successful candidate must be available to start no later than 1 February 2027.