University of Oxford Announces Research Assistant Opportunity in Early Childhood Mental Health Research: Salary £35,681 – £41,636 per annum @£41,636 per annum

The University of Oxford has opened applications for a part-time Research Assistant position within its Department of Social Policy and Intervention, offering an opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to a nationally significant project focused on improving outcomes for young children and families across England.

The role is based in Oxford, with flexible and remote working options available, and forms part of the wider Mental Health in Development (MHID) programme supported by the Oxford Health National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

Supporting Early Minds Research Network Expansion

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and maintaining the Supporting Early Minds Research Network, an initiative dedicated to strengthening research capacity and collaboration in the early years sector.

The network focuses on supporting the development and wellbeing of children under the age of five by connecting practitioners, researchers, local authorities and early years settings. Through a range of resources and engagement activities, the network aims to ensure that professionals working with young children have access to the latest evidence-based research and best practices.

Key objectives of the network include:

• Providing access to the latest research, evidence and practice for children aged 0-5.
• Delivering webinars, podcasts and educational resources.
• Supporting practitioners to become research-ready.
• Building partnerships between researchers and early years settings.
• Encouraging collaboration on the development of new research projects.

Role Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will support the continued growth and visibility of the Supporting Early Minds Research Network.

Primary responsibilities will include:

• Promoting research projects and increasing participant sign-ups through established website systems.
• Developing and delivering webinars and podcasts aimed at practitioners and researchers.
• Updating, managing and enhancing the network’s website.
• Creating three detailed case studies that showcase the impact and value of research collaboration.
• Supporting stakeholder engagement across local authorities, research institutions and early years organisations.

The position offers valuable experience for researchers interested in social policy, child development, public health and mental health research.

Candidate Requirements

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking applicants who possess a strong academic background combined with practical experience in communication and project delivery.

Essential requirements include:

• A first degree in a relevant discipline.
• Active progression towards a doctoral qualification.
• Experience maintaining and updating websites.
• Experience developing and delivering webinars and/or podcasts.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience liaising with researchers and local authority stakeholders.
• The ability to provide informed guidance and support to professional partners.

Preferred Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and project planning abilities.
• Experience managing day-to-day project activities independently.
• The ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a collaborative team environment.
• Previous experience working within a research team.
• Experience contributing to academic publications or research outputs.

The position is particularly suited to individuals looking to further develop their research management, stakeholder engagement and knowledge translation skills within a leading academic institution.

Flexible Working and Commitment to Inclusion

The University of Oxford highlighted its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and offers flexible working arrangements designed to support employees with caring responsibilities and other commitments.

While Oxford will serve as the employee’s normal place of work, remote working opportunities are available as part of the role.

The department also holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award, recognising its ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and promote equal opportunities across higher education and research.

Salary and Employment Details

The Research Assistant position is offered at Research Grade 6 and carries a salary ranging from £35,681 to £41,636 per annum on a pro-rata basis.

Key employment details include:

• Position: Research Assistant
• Department: Social Policy and Intervention
• Location: Wellington Square, Oxford
• Salary: £35,681 – £41,636 per annum (pro rata)
• Grade: Research Grade 6
• Working Pattern: Part-time
• Remote Working: Available

Application Process and Deadline

Applicants are required to submit:

• A current CV.
• A supporting statement addressing each essential selection criterion with clear examples.
• Contact details for two referees.

The University advises candidates not to attach additional documents, as they will not be considered during the recruitment process.

Applications must be submitted online no later than 12:00 noon on 15 June 2026.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled to take place on 30 June 2026.

Opportunity to Contribute to National Mental Health Research

The appointment represents an opportunity to contribute to one of the University of Oxford’s initiatives aimed at strengthening early childhood mental health research and evidence-based practice across England.

By supporting the Supporting Early Minds Research Network, the successful candidate will help expand collaboration between practitioners and researchers, enhance research engagement within the early years sector, and contribute to improving outcomes for children, young people and families nationwide.

APPLY HERE

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding

JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW