Postdoctoral Research Associate

The School of Education at Durham University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, with particular emphasis on young people's mental health and wellbeing.

The research project is a Horizon-funded 5-year study developing evidence-based mental health promotion models for young people in education, training, and work across Europe. The project is being led at Durham by Professor Aimee Quickfall, and runs from September 2026 to August 2031. More information is available at https://support-y.eu

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to the co-creation, piloting and evaluation of mental health interventions for young people, including a web-based tool and face-to-face supportive interventions. Some international travel may be offered but is not compulsory. The successful applicant must be available to attend in-person data collection and meetings in Durham and the wider north of England on a regular basis.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), fixed-term post for 32 months. The successful candidate will ideally be in post by 1 January 2027, with an end date of 31 August 2029.

Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake data collection with young people and other appropriate individuals and groups.
- Assist with intervention activities, such as seminars and workshops and development of the web-based tool.
- Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences including research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
- Publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
- Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
- Work with the Principal Investigator, Grant-holder and other colleagues to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future research collaboration.
- Plan and manage own research activity and research resources in collaboration with others, and contribute to the planning of research projects.
- Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming.
- Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- Engage in continuing professional development by participation in undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes, membership of departmental committees, and attending relevant training and development courses.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:
- A good first degree in education, psychology or other relevant subject.
- A PhD (or be close to submission) in a related subject.
- Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
- Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
- Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
- Experience of data collection, ideally with children and young people.
- Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
- Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, especially with children and young people.

Desirable Criteria:
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
- A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
- Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
- Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills (e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals).
- Experience in scaling up research and contextualisation of research findings to other jurisdictions/countries.
- Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

Please note that an Enhanced DBS certificate will be a requirement of this post.

Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total).
- Generous pension scheme with automatic enrolment into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- Ample parking, cycle to work scheme, local bus and train discounts, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for electric/hybrid vehicle leasing.
- Comprehensive range of professional development courses, apprenticeships and qualifications.
- Health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Outstanding-rated on-site nursery and holiday camps for children aged 5–16.
- Generous family-friendly policies including maternity and adoption leave.
- Volunteering opportunities and exclusive staff discounts portal.
- Relocation support including help with removal costs, house hunting, schools, and visa costs.