Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action; MSCA Doctoral Network Early-Stage Researcher

Organisation/Company University of Oxford Department Experimental Psychology Research Field Psychological sciences » Psychology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 12 Mar 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

We are seeking an Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) to work on “Active exploration of iridescence and gloss”.

The ESR will join the EXPLORA consortium ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), which comprises 12 academic institutions across multiple European countries and the UK, alongside industrial and creative partners. This EU-funded Doctoral Network (DN) provides a rich training environment for early-stage researchers, with regular meetings, workshops and training events across the network.

The post is based at the University of Oxford, UK where you will enrol on the doctoral program (DPhil) joining a dynamic and motivated group of around 12 graduate students and post‑doctoral researchers in the Oxford Perception Lab, headed by Prof. Hannah Smithson.

The primary research focus will be to understand the effects of viewing and lighting geometry and surface properties on exploration behaviour and perception. We will capture and analyse explorative behaviour of human participants while they assess colour and gloss of an object.

To be eligible for this position:

• you must not be in possession of a PhD or have more than 4 years of full‑time equivalent research experience as measured from the award date of your first degree.
• Under the terms of the EC funding, which aims to promote mobility within the research community, you must not have been resident in the UK for more than a total of 12 months in the past three years up to the fellowship start date.

There is flexibility in the pattern of work, such as the possibility of some working‑from‑home, but the expectation is that the majority of time is spent in the department, to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition, the ESR is expected to travel to training and networking events that are part of EXPLORA, and to undertake planned secondments within the consortium.

Applications are to be made online. Your application should include a CV and supporting statement, evidence of undergraduate degree, together with the names and contact details of three referees. Please read the job description for full details of the role and the selection criteria.

Applicants are expected to be predicted or to have achieved an upper second class (2:1) undergraduate degree or above (or equivalent international qualifications) in psychology or related discipline.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

The total amount allocated (based on 36 months) under the EC Grant Agreement is €. The financial award is composed of a number of fixed allowances. Allowance eligibility depends on the personal circumstances.

Eligibility criteria

Appointment is contingent on being accepted onto the DPhil programme.

Selection process

The successful candidate will need to submit an application for the DPhil in Experimental Psychology and be assessed by the Department's Graduate Admissions Panel in order to be accepted onto the course.

Additional comments

For further details on this exciting opportunity and to apply on line, please visit :