Senior Researcher; Climate Change and Child Mental Health

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.

In association with Reuben College, we are seeking an outstanding Senior Researcher to establish a programme of research and lead pioneering work on the mental health impacts of climate change on children and adolescents. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a rapidly emerging field with profound implications for global public health, social justice and child development.

What We Offer 

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and offer a range of benefits 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 

About the Role 

The post is open ended and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.  

You will play a strategic role in shaping the department’s research agenda in this field, examining both direct and indirect stressors of climate change on child mental health. You will have the opportunity to develop intervention strategies and translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

The post will be held in association with Reuben College, and the successful candidate will be appointed to a coterminous Official Fellowship at Reuben College for an initial 5-year period, with renewal dependent on satisfactory performance in college duties. As a Fellow,  you will participate in the governance, intellectual life and interdisciplinary activities of this graduate College.

About You 

You will have a PhD or equivalent in clinical or experimental psychology, psychiatry, public health, sociology or relevant discipline. With a strong track record of securing competitive research funding and publishing influential research, you will have a clear vision for how to develop and expand the field of climate change and child mental health, both within Oxford and internationally.   

Expertise in psychosocial intervention development and research within low-resource or displaced populations would be desirable as would experience leading interdisciplinary research in child and adolescent mental health, trauma, or anxiety or other relevant field, and demonstrated ability to also engage with policymakers, NGOs, and international organizations to drive meaningful change. 

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 (via the ‘Apply’ button above). Please see the University pages on the application process at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/application-process

The closing date for applications is 16 June 2025. 

Interviews will take place during week commencing 30 June 2025 and will be face to face.

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