Research Fellow - School of Psychology - 105743 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Birmingham is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to an NIHR-funded study on mental health help-seeking behaviors among care-experienced young people. The role involves data collection, analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders. Candidates should have a relevant PhD and experience in mixed-methods research.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting systematic reviews and mixed-methods research.
• Ability to work independently under supervision.
• Experience with care-experienced young people.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze research data using mixed-methods.
• Contribute to writing research bids and publications.
• Engage with care-experienced young people to co-produce research outputs.

Skills

Analytical Capability

Communication

Project Management

Education

PhD

First degree in Psychology or Social Care

Tools

SPSS

NVivo

Job description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2026

Closing date: 1st June 2025

Background

The post holder will create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within a specific research project funded by the NIHR Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC).

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to play a significant role in an NIHR-funded Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC) study titled, “Understanding Care-Experienced Young People’s Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviour in England.”

This mixed-methods study explores the mental health help-seeking behaviours of care-experienced young people (aged 13-25) in England. The term “care-experienced” includes those who live or have lived in non-biological foster care, kinship care, residential care, or are care leavers.

The study involves a systematic review of the international literature, an online survey, and in-depth qualitative interviews with care-experienced young people. It also includes significant co-production of study outputs with care-experienced young people.

Role Summary

The successful candidate, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Dr Willem Stander (University of Birmingham), and alongside co-investigators Prof Jason Schaub (University of Bristol) and Dr Jolie Keemink (University of Kent), will:

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding

Main Duties

• Collect research data through a variety of research methods, including conducting a systematic review, and designing and implementing mixed-methods research including quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews) data collection and analysis
• Analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research conferences/seminars etc.
• Engage meaningfully with care-experienced young people and key stakeholders to co-produce research outputs, ensuring lived experiences are central to the study design, analysis, and dissemination
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at conferences, seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Person Specification

• First degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology, Social Care, or a related field)
• PhD (or near to completion) in a field closely aligned with the research area
• Demonstrated experience in conducting systematic reviews and evidence synthesis, and mixed-methods research, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Proficiency using SPSS, NVivo, or similar quantitative and qualitative data analysis software
• Experience conducting research or working in a practice-based role with young people (ideally including care-experienced young people)
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to work independently under appropriate supervision
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Experience of working collaboratively with others to deliver project outcomes
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Desirable

• Previous research experience in mental health or social care
• Experience conducting research with marginalised or vulnerable populations
• Awareness of the specific challenges faced by care-experienced young people in England
• Understanding of intersectionality – such as ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identities, disability, and neurodivergence – shape the mental health help-seeking behaviours of care-experienced young people

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Dr Willem Stander, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website .