Apply now for the Professorship of Old Age Psychiatry

The University of Oxford is one of the leading universities globally, with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching and research. The University is at the forefront of research into mental health in older adults, conducting pioneering studies on cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and other conditions. The Department of Psychiatry sits within the University’s Medical Sciences Division and is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford. The Department has a substantial research programme and works with hospitals, patients, and industry partners to translate research insights into effective treatment and prevention.

The Department of Psychiatry and Linacre College intend to appoint to the Professorship of Old Age Psychiatry. This senior clinical academic post within the Department of Psychiatry provides an exciting opportunity to develop and sustain a large-scale research programme, supported by the world-leading clinical research infrastructure in Oxford. Mental health is a priority for the University which is working closely with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to redevelop the Warneford Hospital site as a centre for translational neuroscience and clinical care. This context provides the Professorship of Old Age Psychiatry with a unique opportunity to influence research strategy and the future of mental health care for older adults on one of the world’s leading clinical academic campuses.

The appointee will develop and lead an internationally competitive programme of research in a relevant area and will play a major leadership role in the research activities of the Department of Psychiatry, including helping guide research strategy. The Professor of Old Age Psychiatry will also make a significant contribution to teaching programmes and the development of the curriculum in their specialist area and will supervise postgraduate students. They will help the department maintain and enrich its diverse and collaborative culture and will contribute significantly to public engagement with science and to efforts to widen access and participation. As a Fellow of Linacre College, the appointee will contribute to the leadership of the College as a member of its Governing Body.

The Professor of Old Age Psychiatry will be a qualified Old Age Psychiatrist at NHS consultant level. They will support Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in the provision of mental health services and will take a leadership role in recruiting and training future generations of psychiatrists.

Candidates will be internationally recognised in their field, with a proven track record of personal research achievement in a relevant area, together with experience attracting and managing significant research income. Candidates should have demonstrable experience of leading complex collaborative research programmes and of providing specialist advice to external stakeholders. Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to the training and development of the next generation of neuroscientists. As this is a clinical academic post, candidates must be medically qualified, GMC registered and a Member, or Fellow, of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (or hold equivalent certification as an Old Age / Geriatric Psychiatrist).   

The Department of Psychiatry and Linacre College embrace diversity and inclusion in their recruitment campaigns, and would welcome applications from candidates currently underrepresented in senior roles in the University, particularly women, candidates of colour and disabled candidates with diverse backgrounds.

The University has engaged The McLean Partnership to support this appointment. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Graham Little at McLean via email at grahamlittle@mcleanpartnership.com. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on Monday 5th January 2026.

Click here to download an information pack on this opportunity