Postdoctoral Research Fellow (IPHW)

University of Essex; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Essex is seeking Postdoctoral Research Fellows to conduct world-class research on tackling loneliness and social isolation among young adults. Candidates will work on an innovative NIHR-funded program, contributing to mental health research through both qualitative and quantitative methods, and will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to impactful societal contributions.

Qualifications

• PhD close to completion in a relevant field.
• Postdoctoral research experience in applied mental health is desirable.
• Ability to demonstrate impactful research in academic and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Support NIHR-funded program addressing loneliness and social isolation among young adults.
• Examine mental health and loneliness associations using Understanding Society data.
• Conduct qualitative research with young people in coastal communities.

Skills

Applied mental health research

Quantitative analysis

Qualitative research

Education

Relevant doctoral level degree or equivalent professional experience

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow (IPHW), Colchester

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Client:

University of Essex

Location:

Colchester, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

5bff82e2499d

Job Views:

5

Posted:

29.06.2025

Expiry Date:

13.08.2025

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Job Description:

Department

The Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing (IPHW) is leading impactful research in public health and wellbeing for the University of Essex. The IPHW advances the University’s mission of excellence in education and research, for the benefit of individuals, communities, and society.

The IPHW is an international centre of excellence, bringing together research strengths across all University faculties, driving forward health- and wellbeing-focused research collaborations and developing strategic partnerships with regional, national, and international organisations. The establishment of the IPHW aligns the University’s research capability, expertise and strengths across a broad spectrum of research and innovations in public health and wellbeing, including a wide range of health related training programmes, clinics, facilities and services, leveraging the assets of our expertise and skills to enable us to scale our impact.

In addition to this our focus on inequality, its impact on health and wellbeing, our strength in methodological rigour, artificial intelligence, and our contributions to methodological developments are also part of our research strategy.

Duties of the Role

We wish to appoint two highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellows, on a pathway to permanency, to undertake world class research and development work to support the NIHR-funded programme of work on tackling loneliness and social isolation among young adults in coastal communities ensuring young LGBT and ethnic minority needs are addressed equally.

The ideal candidates will have a critical role in supporting the programme of applied mental health research which includes quantitative and qualitative components as well as developing applied solutions, implementation and evaluation. During Years 1-2, this will involve working with Understanding Society data to examine the association between mental health and loneliness among young adults living in coastal areas; and undertaking qualitative research with young people in Southend, Essex and Thurrock coastal communities. We invite applicants with a preference for supporting the quantitative or qualitative components of the programme as well as those who can support both components.

The two new research fellows will work alongside a team of applied mental health researchers including the programme leader (Professor in Mental Health Research), a PPIE co-ordinator, 3 PhD students and 6 DClinPsych trainees. In addition, the team will work alongside a team of other health researchers working at the IPHW to enhance research through collaboration and partnership.

There are two positions available. The first position is full-time (36 hours per week), with the second position being part-time (18 hours per week). Please indicate on your application whether you're applying for the full-time or part-time position.

A full list of duties and responsibilities can be found within the job pack.

Qualifications required

The successful applicant will have a relevant doctoral level degree or equivalent professional experience or be close to completion of PhD in a field relevant to mental health. Postdoctoral research experience ideally in areas of applied mental health, along with Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy or the ability to gain professional recognition at this or a higher level if appropriate are desirable.

As part of the process and to be successful you will be required to demonstrate how you your research has been impactful within and beyond the academic sphere, recognising the importance of this and the effect it will have on the University.

The University of Essex is a campus based University and all academic appointments are made with the expectation that you will be present on campus to fulfil the requirements of your position. At the time of a job offer, the possibility of hybrid working, will be discussed and considered on an individual basis, but you will be required to be based within the UK.

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.