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- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on reproductive health and engage diverse communities in meaningful discussions.
- Company: Birkbeck, University of London, a hub for creative and inclusive research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a multi-disciplinary team to shape the future of fertility control and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong fieldwork experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with travel across the UK for fieldwork.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 51000 £ per year.
Overview
Are you a Postdoctoral Researcher with excellent creative engagement skills and a strong research background in reproductive health? Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher/Engaged Research Fellow to join the School of Social Sciences on a four-year contract this Autumn.
We are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher/Engaged Research Fellow to join a multi-disciplinary team working on a Wellcome Trust–funded project, Contragestive Time: Pregnant Uncertainties in Fertility Control. This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term contract for over four years, with a salary of £51,713 to £60,858 per year.
Led by Professor Lisa Baraitser, the project involves collaborators from the University of Sussex, University of Bristol, Manchester Metropolitan University, King’s College London, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, and SH: 24. Contragestive Time brings together clinicians, social scientists, lawyers, philosophers, humanities scholars and advocates to rethink concepts of early pregnancy and reproductive timing, challenge outdated legal and regulatory frameworks, test the feasibility of new clinical services, and engage with the public and policymakers to shape a more inclusive future for fertility control.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on how the time after ovulation but before early abortion is imagined and how these ideas might shape the transformative potential of new forms of fertility control called “contragestion.”
- Carry out a large ethnographic study in the UK to investigate meanings of contragestive time within diverse reproductive cultures.
- Develop and lead the project’s public engagement programme, working with the team and stakeholders to build an inclusive research culture and to engage diverse publics in an open discussion about this area.
Qualifications
- Strong research background with fieldwork experience and creative engagement skills.
- Excellent understanding of reproductive temporalities and cultures.
- PhD in medical anthropology, sociology, critical health studies, gender studies, psychosocial studies, medical humanities, or another relevant field.
Qualifications (continued)
- Ability to travel regularly to the University of Sussex and to research sites across the UK for fieldwork.
Terms and Environment
- Based in Psychosocial Studies in the School of Social Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London.
- Fixed-term, full-time contract (52 months), January 2026 to April 2030, 35 hours per week, hybrid or remote with regular travel to University of Sussex and research sites across the UK.
- Supportive and creative environment for early-career researchers.
Salary and Benefits
- £51,713 to £60,858 per annum, Grade 8 on the London Pay Scale including a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.
- Benefits of working at Birkbeck include a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, and being located in central London.
How to Apply and Closing Date
- Please submit CV and a statement for consideration.
- Closing date: Friday 31 October 2025; interview date: Monday 17 November 2025.
Enquiries
- For more information about the role, contact Lisa Baraitser (email omitted).
- For recruitment portal difficulties, contact the provided recruitment email (address omitted).
We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving gender and cultural diversity of its workforce and holds an Athena SWAN award and Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.
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Postdoctoral Researcher/Engaged Research Fellow employer: Birkbeck University of London
Contact Detail:
Birkbeck University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher/Engaged Research Fellow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of reproductive health and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant discussions online. Join forums, social media groups, or webinars related to reproductive health and engage with others. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your passion for the subject.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and its collaborators. Understand their goals and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested and informed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher/Engaged Research Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in reproductive health and creative engagement. We want to see how your background aligns with the project’s goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Statement: Your statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this research area and how you can contribute to the team. We love seeing enthusiasm and innovative ideas, so let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience: Since fieldwork is a big part of this role, make sure to detail any relevant experiences you've had. We’re looking for insights into how you’ve engaged with diverse communities and what you learned from those experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birkbeck University of London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the project’s focus on reproductive health. Be ready to discuss your previous work, especially any fieldwork experience, and how it relates to the themes of contragestion and reproductive cultures.
✨Engagement is Key
Since this role involves public engagement, think about how you can communicate complex ideas simply and effectively. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with diverse audiences in the past, and be ready to share your vision for the project's public engagement programme.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team
Research the collaborators involved in the project, including their backgrounds and contributions. Understanding the multi-disciplinary nature of the team will help you articulate how you can fit in and contribute to the collaborative environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the project, the team dynamics, and the expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
