Postdoctoral Researcher: Character Strengths and Neurodiversity

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry.  The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.

The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is a newly funded research centre that aims to conduct world class research that contributes to a world where differences between people are understood and accepted, strengths are capitalised on, and mental health difficulties are prevented or addressed early.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

•               An excellent contributory pension scheme

•               38 days annual leave

•               A comprehensive range of childcare services

•               Family leave schemes

•               Cycle loan scheme

•               Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

•               Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

The post is available on a flexible hybrid basis. The minimum on-site time would be 2 days/week with occasional additional meetings in person

About the Role

The post is funded for two years in the first instance, and is full time, however consideration would be given to candidates wishing to work part time (minimum 80% FTE), on a pro rata basis, with a commensurate reduction in duties.   The post is based in the Department of Experimental Psychology, Life and Mind Building in Oxford

You will be a part of the project to explore Character Strengths in neurodivergent children and young people (ND CYP), with the aim of improving our understanding of how to adopt strengths-based approaches when working with families, professionals and teachers to best support neurodivergent children and young people in different settings. You will lead data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods, involved in co-production and co-facilitating training workshops, creating psychoeducation content, and working directly with neurodivergent children and young people, their family and practitioners (including mental health practitioners and teachers). You will contribute to the design or research materials and gather and analyse and present qualitative and quantitative data. You will promote public involvement with the research project, supporting research volunteers and contributing to public engagement activities.  You will process and analyse data using both quantitative and qualitative methodology and prepare, review and refine theories as appropriate.

About You

You will have or be close to the completion of  a PhD/DPhil/DClin or other professional doctorate degree in a relevant subject, (e.g., adolescent mental health, neurodevelopmental conditions, positive psychology, education, AI use in healthcare) together with relevant experience and sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline of neurodiversity to work within established research programmes.   With knowledge of statistics and ability to use statistical packages for analysing data, you will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work co-operatively as part of a team.   Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project would be desirable as would in setting up and managing learning platforms to support e-learning, including developing module content, basic website building and coding skills.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Please see the University pages on the application process at

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday6 August 2025

Interviews will take place during week commencing 19 August 2025