The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research (OCEMR) has announced up to four fully funded DPhil (PhD) studentships for candidates beginning their research projects in October 2027. Up to four fully funded Oxford DPhil studentships available in child and adolescent mental health research.
“The Oxford Centre for Emerging Minds Research is jointly hosted by the University of Oxford’s Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry. The studentships are supported by funding from the Paul Foundation and will provide successful candidates with a stipend and tuition fees at the UK Home rate for three years. The funded projects must be completed by October 2030.”
Applications are currently and deadlines spread based on stages. The stage 1, which is the Expression of Interest, closes on September 22, 2026. For those who successfully pass Stage 2, applicants will be required to fully develop their research proposal and submit it before December 2, 2026.
The opportunity is aimed at ambitious researchers interested in areas including child and adolescent mental health, neurodiversity, strengths-based approaches, psychology, social science and related interdisciplinary fields. Another theme focuses on identifying the mechanisms underpinning mental health in children and young people and determining how these mechanisms can be targeted to promote wellbeing and prevent or treat emerging mental health difficulties.
Applicants must possess the following qualifications before they can apply:
- At least an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent.
- A relevant Master’s degree, where applicable, in Psychology or another discipline relevant to the proposed research.
- Experience conducting high-quality independent research.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- An interest in interdisciplinary research.
- An interest in collaborative research involving young people and stakeholders.
- Previous experience as a research assistant or in a clinical setting is desirable but is not stated as an absolute requirement.
The four successful applicants should receive a three-year stipend, academic supervision and research training and the opportunity to undertake a DPhil project aligned with OCEMR’s research priorities.
To apply for this stage 1, applicants should submit the following:
- CV
- Supporting statement of up to 750 words
- University transcripts, including undergraduate and postgraduate grades obtained to date
- The CV should be no more than two pages and should include research publications, research experience and the names, roles and institutions of two potential academic referees.
- Supporting statement requirements
- The 750-word supporting statement should address three main areas:
- The first section should explain why the applicant wants to undertake a DPhil and why they are a suitable candidate, using no more than 300 words.
- The second section, also limited to 300 words, should identify the applicant’s preferred project or projects, explain what interests them about the research and demonstrate their suitability for the selected project.
- The final section allows applicants to provide relevant information concerning equality, diversity and inclusion, with a maximum of 150 words.
The 750-word supporting statement should address three main areas:
- The first section should explain why the applicant wants to undertake a DPhil and why they are a suitable candidate, using no more than 300 words.
- The second section, also limited to 300 words, should identify the applicant’s preferred project or projects, explain what interests them about the research and demonstrate their suitability for the selected project.
- The final section allows applicants to provide relevant information concerning equality, diversity and inclusion, with a maximum of 150 words.
Only applicants who pass Stage 1 will advance to stage 2. Click on the link below to learn how to submit for stage 1.
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