Postdoctoral Researcher in the Ethics of Flourishing

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 post is for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Ethics of Flourishing, located within the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society (NEUROSEC) Team in the Department of Psychiatry and in collaboration with the Uehiro Oxford Institute.

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 time on-site in the office is 4 days/week. The postholder must be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in order to attend regular Departmental and Team meetings.

About the Role

The post is funded for 2 years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.

The post holder will develop and lead projects that support conceptual and empirical research conducted as part of the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (Oxford Health BRC) Flourishing and Wellbeing Theme. This will include developing and leading collaborative research around the ethics/values of nature-based interventions for mental health and flourishing (e.g. green prescribing initiatives). You will also collaborate in and/or lead in the preparation of 3-4 research publications per year, to be published in Q1 journals and other relevant outputs.

About You

You will have or be close to the completion of a PhD/DPhil in Philosophy, Bioethics or Psychology; and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in research on ethics / morals/ values related to nature-based interventions for mental health, well-being and/or flourishing, to enable delivery of Theme research aims. The ability to work independently to develop and deliver research projects and papers and evidence of a developing track record as an outstanding scholar is essential. Experience of researcher relevant to, or with young people would be desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

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.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 31 March 2025

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