Join as Research Assistant in Character Strengths & Neurodiversity at Oxford – Make a Difference in Child and Youth Support

Join as Research Assistant in Character Strengths & Neurodiversity at Oxford – Make a Difference in Child and Youth Support is open for applications. This full-time or part-time hybrid role within the Department of Experimental Psychology offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape strengths-based support for neurodivergent children. Shared here for informational purposes—Oxford handles the recruitment, not this site.

Join as Research Assistant in Character Strengths & Neurodiversity at Oxford – Make a Difference in Child and Youth Support

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Background & Job Description

The University of Oxford, globally recognized for excellence in education and research, is seeking a Research Assistant to join a new initiative under its Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research, based within the Department of Experimental Psychology. The role focuses on exploring character strengths in neurodivergent children and young people (ND CYP) with the aim of promoting strengths-based approaches in families, schools, and clinical settings.

The Centre is conducting research to better understand how character strengths—such as curiosity, creativity, honesty, and kindness—can support the wellbeing and development of ND CYP. The incoming researcher will help collect data, co-facilitate workshops, design educational content, and engage directly with children, families, practitioners, and public audiences. Their contributions will shape future interventions, resources, and training designed to support neurodivergent individuals positively.

Tasks

1. Data Collection & Analysis

   • Conduct quantitative and qualitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups with ND CYP and their families, teachers, or clinicians.

   • Use statistical, experimental, or qualitative methods to analyze data and derive insights.

2. Co-production & Workshop Facilitation

   • Collaborate with co-researchers and families to co-produce training workshops—ensuring content is inclusive and responsive to lived experiences.

   • Co-facilitate interactive sessions with practitioners and caregivers.

3. Content & Research Material Development

   • Design research tools and psychoeducational materials (videos, guides, infographics) aimed at supporting character-strength approaches in practice.

   • Ensure accessibility and clarity of materials.

4. Public Engagement & Volunteer Support

   • Promote public involvement by supporting research volunteers and participating in public engagement events.

   • Represent the project at academic or community engagement forums. oxfordsu.org+2data.ox.ac.uk+2staff.admin.ox.ac.uk+2

5. Database Management & Reporting

   • Manage databases capturing participant details, workshop feedback, and research outputs.

   • Prepare summaries and reports for internal use and funding bodies.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• A Bachelor’s degree in psychology or a healthcare-related profession such as medicine. staff.admin.ox.ac.uk+4data.ox.ac.uk+4Jobs.ac.uk+4

• Specialist knowledge of neurodiversity and character strengths frameworks.

Experience

• Previous experience working with children or young people, especially those with developmental or neurodivergent conditions. Reddit+7data.ox.ac.uk+7UEL Repository+7

• Skills in quantitative (statistics, experimental design) and/or qualitative research.

• Proven competency in setting up and managing large databases. Jobs.ac.uk+6data.ox.ac.uk+6data.ox.ac.uk+6

• Strong communication, organisation, and interpersonal skills, especially in working with vulnerable groups. edu.admin.ox.ac.uk+8data.ox.ac.uk+8staff.admin.ox.ac.uk+8

Additional Information

Role Details

• Job Reference: 180728

• Location: Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building, Oxford

• Work Pattern: Hybrid – minimum 2 days/week on-site, flexible scheduling for the remainder. oxfordsu.org+10data.ox.ac.uk+10Jobs.ac.uk+10

• Contract: Fixed-term (2 years), full-time (or part-time, minimum 80% FTE, prorated duties). data.ox.ac.uk

• Salary: £34,982 – £36,616 annually. Jobs.ac.uk+5data.ox.ac.uk+5Jobs.ac.uk+5

Recruitment Dates

• Posted On: 15 July 2025

• Deadline: 12:00 PM, 1 August 2025

• Interviews: Week of 19 August 2025 Jobs.ac.uk+2Jobs.ac.uk+2Jobs.ac.uk+2data.ox.ac.uk

Benefits & Culture

• Member of Research Grade 6, with access to Oxford’s pension, generous leave and childcare schemes. Jobs.ac.uk

• Hybrid working, flexible schedules, and supportive work-life balance. edu.admin.ox.ac.uk+6data.ox.ac.uk+6Jobs.ac.uk+6

• Inclusive environment: Psychiatry’s People & Culture initiatives promote equality, mental health support, and neurodiversity and disability networks.

Why This Role Matters

• Impactful research: Champion character-strengths approaches that can transform how neurodivergent children are supported across homes, schools, and mental health settings.

• Inclusive innovation: Engage in co-developed work with families and practitioners to design meaningful solutions.

• Professional growth: Gain hands-on experience in mixed-methods research, public engagement, and teamwork within a world-class university environment.

• Supportive atmosphere: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a department committed to diversity, wellbeing, and neurodiversity support. staff.admin.ox.ac.uk+4edu.admin.ox.ac.uk+4data.ox.ac.uk+4

How to Apply

To apply, follow the online process through Oxford’s recruitment portal:

1. Prepare a cover letter/supporting statement aligned with job criteria.

2. Upload your CV and contact details of two referees.

3. Complete Oxford’s online application and submit before midday, 1 August 2025.

Further guidance is available on Oxford’s official “How to apply” page. Jobs.ac.uk+2data.ox.ac.uk+2data.ox.ac.uk+2

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