location: Oxford University. 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford, OX2 6PY

About the role

The Department of Education is looking for a part-time Research Associate to join the project Developing a socially sensitive research approach to higher education aspirations: exploring the hopes and aspirations of British sixth form students of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage.Funded by the John Phil Fund.

The post holder will be based at 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford, and will report to Dr Alia Khalid (Departmental Senior Lecturer in Comparative and International Education) and Dr Stephanie Nowak (Postdoctoral Researcher).

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a socially engaged and methodologically innovative study exploring how sixth form students of British Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage and their families navigate higher education pathways. The research aims to develop participatory and culturally sensitive approaches to understanding hope and aspiration, drawing on and adapting Snyder’s theory of hope.

The post holder will lead the quantitative components of the study, including:

• Conduct a literature review on existing hope scales.
• Development and piloting of a culturally responsive survey instrument.
• Design and implement a representative sampling strategy.
• Support participant recruitment and data collection in collaboration with schools and community partners.
• Contribute to project planning, data analysis, publications and dissemination activities.

Applicants must have, or be about to complete, a PhD/PhD in education, psychology, sociology, or a related social science discipline, with demonstrated experience in quantitative research, including questionnaire design, scale development, and advanced statistical analysis. Experience working in educational contexts, dealing with schools or students, and proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, Stata or R are essential.

Experience of working with British Pakistani or Bangladeshi heritage communities, familiarity with hope theory, or participating in mixed methods research teams would be beneficial.

This position is part time (0.4 FTE) and is offered on a fixed term basis of six months.

Applications for this vacancy must be submitted online (Via the ‘Apply’ button above) You will be asked to upload a supporting statement and CV as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should explain how you meet all of the selection criteria for the post.

Orders received only by 12.00 Midday day Friday, October 24, 2025 It will be considered. Interviews are expected to take place the week of October 27, 2025.