University of Oxford Postdoctoral Researcher Position 2026: Emerging Minds Research on Neurodiversity and Adolescent Development @Unknown

The University of Oxford has opened applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within its groundbreaking “All About Me” research programme, an initiative aimed at advancing understanding of neurodiversity and promoting strengths-based approaches to adolescent development and mental health.

The position is based at the Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR), a newly established research centre dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people through innovative, inclusive, and evidence-based research. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Jiedi Lei and contribute to a major project focused on developing neurodiversity-affirming assessment tools for young people.

Applications are open until 3 July 2026, with interviews scheduled to take place in mid-July.

Oxford Strengthens Research on Mental Health and Neurodiversity

The University of Oxford continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in research and innovation through investments in emerging fields such as neurodiversity, adolescent wellbeing, and mental health prevention.

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research was established to create a world where individual differences are better understood and accepted. The centre seeks to identify strengths, support early intervention, and reduce the long-term impact of mental health challenges among children and young people.

Operating within Oxford’s internationally recognised Department of Psychiatry, the centre benefits from extensive research funding and collaborations supported by major organisations including the Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

“All About Me” Project Focuses on Strengths-Based Assessment

The successful postdoctoral researcher will work on the “All About Me” project, which aims to develop innovative tools that help young people identify and understand their unique strengths, abilities, and potential.

The project adopts a neurodiversity-affirming framework that moves beyond deficit-based perspectives by highlighting positive attributes and capabilities across different contexts.

Researchers are working closely with:

• Adolescents and young people.
• Families and caregivers.
• Educators and school communities.
• Healthcare professionals.
• Community practitioners.

The goal is to create practical resources that can support more inclusive educational, clinical, and social environments for neurodivergent individuals.

Key Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Researcher

The appointed researcher will take a leading role in the day-to-day management and delivery of research activities across the programme.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Managing research projects within the wider “All About Me” programme.
• Developing and refining strengths-based assessment methodologies.
• Leading quantitative and qualitative data collection activities.
• Conducting cognitive, behavioural, and clinical assessments with young people.
• Undertaking interviews with families, educators, practitioners, and stakeholders.
• Performing data analysis across multiple research streams.
• Coordinating research visits in laboratories, schools, homes, and community settings.
• Supporting participant engagement and recruitment.
• Providing methodological guidance to colleagues and collaborators.

The role offers significant opportunities for independent research leadership while contributing to a larger interdisciplinary programme.

Research Activities Span Multiple Data Collection Methods

The position requires experience working across a range of research methodologies and participant groups.

Research activities will include:

Quantitative Research

• Cognitive assessments.
• Behavioural evaluations.
• Clinical measurement tools.
• Statistical data analysis.

Qualitative Research

• Interviews with adolescents and families.
• Practitioner consultations.
• Community engagement activities.
• Observational research.

The successful candidate will help integrate findings from diverse data sources to improve understanding of strengths-based approaches to neurodiversity.

Public Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination

In addition to research responsibilities, the Postdoctoral Researcher will actively contribute to public engagement and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Promoting public involvement in research projects.
• Supporting outreach and engagement activities.
• Creating content for project websites.
• Managing research-related social media communications.
• Sharing research findings with professional and public audiences.

This aspect of the role reflects Oxford’s commitment to ensuring that research has a meaningful impact beyond academia.

Flexible Hybrid Working Environment

The University of Oxford has confirmed that the role will operate under a hybrid working arrangement designed to support collaboration and flexibility.

The working model includes:

• A minimum of two days per week in the Life and Mind Building in Oxford.
• Up to three days per week working remotely.
• Occasional travel to partner schools and community organisations.

The arrangement allows researchers to maintain direct engagement with participants while benefiting from flexible working practices.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Applicants must possess strong academic credentials and specialist expertise in neurodiversity-related research.

Essential requirements include:

• A completed or near-completed PhD, DPhil, DClin, or equivalent professional doctorate.
• Specialist knowledge of neurodiversity research.
• Experience conducting independent research projects.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Experience working within multidisciplinary research teams.

The university is seeking candidates capable of contributing immediately to ongoing research programmes while helping to shape future project development.

Human-Computer Interaction Experience Considered an Advantage

Oxford has identified experience in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research as a desirable qualification.

Candidates with expertise in:

• Digital assessment tools.
• User-centred design.
• Educational technologies.
• Interactive research methodologies.
• Technology-supported mental health interventions.

will be particularly well positioned for the role.

Competitive Salary and Comprehensive Benefits Package

The successful candidate will receive a salary ranging between £39,424 and £41,636 per annum under the University’s Research Grade 7 scale.

Additional benefits include:

• Excellent contributory pension scheme.
• 38 days of annual leave.
• Family-friendly leave policies.
• Childcare support services.
• Cycle loan scheme.
• Discounted public transport and travel loans.
• Access to social and sports clubs.

The benefits package reflects Oxford’s ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing and professional development.

Application Process and Key Dates

Candidates interested in applying must submit:

• A covering letter or supporting statement.
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Contact details for two referees.

Important application information:

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – All About Me (Adolescent Focus)
• Institution: University of Oxford
• Department: Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology
• Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
• Contract Duration: Two Years
• Salary: £39,424 – £41,636 per annum
• Vacancy ID: 186958
• Application Deadline: 3 July 2026 at 12:00 PM
• Interview Period: Mid-July 2026

The position represents an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to advance their expertise in neurodiversity, adolescent mental health, developmental psychology, and strengths-based assessment at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions.

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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.

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