Variable Hours Research Assistant

The Oxford Internet Institute -founded in 2001 - is a multidisciplinary research and teaching department of the University of Oxford, dedicated to the social science of the Internet. We have an exciting opportunity to join the Digital Wellbeing Group at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford.   

This is a fixed-term, variable hours role, starting from 1 April 2025 and ending on 28 December 2025. The successful candidate will be expected to work an average of 9 hours per week (with some weeks varying from 0 to 20 hours) but to a maximum of 350 hours total for the duration. The work is based in Oxford but there may some opportunity for occasional remote working in the UK only.  

In this role, you will assist in designing and managing a randomized controlled trial aimed at uncovering the causal impacts of reducing gaming on physical activity levels, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing in young adults. You will work closely with Dr. Tamás Andrei Földes, Dr. Nick Ballou, and Dr Sabrina Norwood, utilizing advanced data collection tools and sophisticated statistical analyses to contribute to groundbreaking findings in the field of digital behaviour research. 

You will be responsible for:  

• Developing and implementing the study protocol, including participant recruitment, randomization, and retention strategies. 
• Coordinating the study timeline, ensuring all phases (monitoring, intervention, and follow-up) are executed smoothly. 
• Overseeing the deployment and maintenance of actigraphy devices and a digital media use time tracker for tracking physical activity, sleep patterns, and technology usage. 
• Administering daily surveys and ensuring accurate and timely data entry, maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. 
• Providing technical support for participants in case of problems with the data collection systems 
• Such other comparable duties as may be required by Dr Földes, Dr Ballou and Dr Norwood 

You will have: 

• a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Public Health, Behavioural Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• experience designing and conducting randomized controlled trials with human participants.
• be proficient in participant recruitment, compensation, and retention.
• be proficient in administering surveys and managing data collection.

It is essential that the successful candidate have a strong understanding of ethical research standards and open science practices, along with excellent organisational skills for managing timelines and budgets.  

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Dr Tamas Földes at tamas.foldes@oii.ox.ac.uk. Further details are also found in the Job Description, click the 'Apply' button above. 

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees as part of your online application. 

Only applications received before noon 12 February can be considered. You should expect to hear back as to whether you are selected for interview by 21 February, with interviews planned later in the week commencing 24 February.   

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