Researcher in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (OPM-MEG, Reading and Reading Disorders) Full-time

Researcher in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience (OPM-MEG, Reading and Reading Disorders)

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). You will lead grant-funded research on uncovering the neuronal mechanisms of reading acquisition in children and on extending the research programme to include children with reading problems and disorders.

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.

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 funded for 3 years and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital. You will develop research questions within a specific context, conduct individual research on the neuronal mechanisms supporting reading acquisition and reading disorders in children, including dyslexia, analysing detailed and complex OPM-MEG, eye-tracking and behavioural data, and generating original ideas by building on existing concepts in reading, attention, brain oscillations, developmental cognitive neuroscience and atypical reading development. You will develop, establish and pursue appropriate analytical protocols and techniques to support research including paediatric OPM-MEG acquisition, child-friendly reading paradigms suitable for children with typical reading development and children with reading problems or disorders, eye-tracking, rapid frequency tagging, multivariate analysis, time-frequency analysis, source modelling and robust quality assurance procedures.

You will hold a relevant Ph.D/D.Phil with post-qualification research experience in cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, psychology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. You will have the ability to independently plan and manage a research project, including a research budget and the operational delivery of a 3-year child OPM-MEG research strand, including extension to children with reading problems or disorders, recruitment, scheduling, data collection, data quality monitoring, communication with parents and schools, ethical approvals, risk assessments and safeguarding procedures. Experience of working with children, schools and/or families in research settings, ideally including children with reading problems or developmental reading disorders such as dyslexia, and experience with child-friendly experimental procedures and safeguarding-aware practice is desirable.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity, our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives including our values and behaviours framework, work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

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 30 September 2026.