Senior Postdoctoral Researcher: MARGINS

Overview

The University of Oxford is hiring a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher for a full-time, fixed-term position within the Department of Psychiatry. The role is based at the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford and is funded for two years, with a required start date of no later than 1 February 2027. The successful candidate will join the MARGINS research programme, which investigates the impact of proposed policy changes to online technology on children and young people. The position involves working across three complementary research streams to provide senior quantitative and methodological leadership.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD or DPhil in a health, behavioural, or social science discipline, such as psychology, epidemiology, public health, or mental health research, alongside post-qualification research experience. Essential qualifications include prior experience conducting research with adolescents aged approximately 12 to 18 years with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to independently plan and manage a research project, handle a research budget, and raise research funds through grant applications. Desirable backgrounds include experience in or an interest in population health or young people's digital environments and experiences.

What you get

The position offers an annual salary ranging from £50,067 to £59,396, corresponding to Grade 8. The role provides an opportunity to work within a welcoming department at a world-class centre of excellence, collaborating closely with Professor Mina Fazel, Dr Holly Bear, Dr Emma Soneson, the project's statistical lead, and international partners.

Requirements

The postholder is expected to work on site for a minimum of three days per week to facilitate close collaboration with the wider MARGINS research team, while the remaining working time may be undertaken flexibly or via a hybrid arrangement with line manager agreement. Responsibilities include leading the development of research questions and analytical approaches, generating original ideas, and identifying opportunities for further analyses. The researcher will lead and develop complex quantitative analyses utilizing large-scale cross-sectional, longitudinal, and international datasets, as well as contribute to interpreting findings and producing high-quality research publications, reports, and presentations.

How to apply

Candidates must submit their application online by uploading a CV, the details of two referees, and a covering letter or supporting statement. The covering letter must clearly demonstrate how the applicant meets each of the essential and desirable criteria separately.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 16 November 2026. Applicants must be available to start by 1 February 2027 at the latest.