Researcher in Neuronal Mechanisms in Children

Researcher in Neuronal Mechanisms of Reading in Children

Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Researcher to be a member of the Attention to Reading research group headed by Prof. Ole Jensen at the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA), with responsibility for a project focused on uncovering the neuronal mechanisms that support reading in children.

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
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

The post is funded for 3 years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

You will manage own academic research and administrative activities within the project on the neuronal mechanisms of reading in children. This involves project management to coordinate participant recruitment, OPM-MEG and eye-tracking data collection, analysis, documentation and reporting to meet deadlines. You will adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and child-friendly experimental protocols for OPM-MEG, eye-tracking and reading tasks, including procedures for consent/assent, safeguarding, participant comfort and data quality assurance.

You will have or be close to completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil, , in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering or a related discipline, together with relevant research experience. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in cognitive neuroscience, developmental science, reading/language, visual attention, neuroimaging or electrophysiology to work within the established research programme. Experience working with children and/or school-aged participants in research, including liaison with schools, parents or carers, and/or involvement in research engagement or dissemination events is desirable.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.