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- Tasks: Lead research on mental health for Black university students and develop innovative methodologies.
- Company: Institute for Medical Humanities, a collaborative and interdisciplinary research space.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for academic writing and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in qualitative research methods.
- Other info: Engage with diverse teams and contribute to impactful social change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Institute for Medical Humanities is an interdisciplinary space for scholars to collaboratively draw from approaches from the social sciences, literary studies, visual art, and philosophy to address key questions in health research. The Institute currently hosts the Wellcome-funded Discovery Research Platform, a 7-year project supporting research across 6 methods labs and non-academic sectors to co-develop experimental methods to address health challenges.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the 3-year project ‘Amplifying the mental health of Black university students: A Black, Mad and Disability Studies Intersectional Inquiry’, funded by the Economic Social and Research Council. This project will investigate and address Black students' poor mental health across the lifecycle at 4 institutions (Durham University, University of Nottingham, University of East London, and University of Hertfordshire). Through the project, the research team will theorise and develop innovative methodologies to tackle this issue in dialogue with Black students, university wellbeing services, and third sector organisations.
The successful applicant will be based at the Institute for Medical Humanities, working closely with Dr Arya Thampuran (Narrative Practices Lab). They will be expected to lead data collection, manage the day-to-day running of the project, maintain contacts with universities, and support the analysis of Black students' experiences. The PDRA will also engage in academic journal writing with the core team to support their own academic careers. The PDRA will have the further opportunity to participate in the Black Health and the Humanities Network (co-led by Dr Thampuran), bridging narrative analysis with anti-racist, decolonial frameworks.
This post is fixed term for 2 years as per the terms of the funding.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Sociology in North East employer: InsideHigherEd
Contact Detail:
InsideHigherEd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Sociology in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current and former researchers in the field, especially those connected to the project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with the team or during interviews, make sure to express why this project matters to you. Your enthusiasm for addressing mental health issues in Black students will resonate with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss innovative methodologies and how you would approach data collection. Think outside the box and be prepared to share your ideas on tackling mental health challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Sociology in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project’s focus on Black students' mental health. We want to see your passion for the subject matter shine through!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your written application, emphasise your research experience, especially in qualitative methods or any relevant interdisciplinary work. We’re looking for someone who can lead data collection and analysis effectively.
Engage with the Project Goals: Demonstrate your understanding of the project’s aims and how you can contribute to them. Mention any previous work that relates to mental health, Black studies, or community engagement – it’ll show us you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at InsideHigherEd
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the project ‘Amplifying the mental health of Black university students’. Familiarise yourself with its goals, methodologies, and the institutions involved. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the project's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences, especially those related to mental health or social sciences. Highlight any innovative methodologies you've used and how they could apply to this project. Concrete examples will make your case stronger!
✨Engage with the Team's Work
Research Dr Arya Thampuran and the Narrative Practices Lab. Understanding their work and how it connects to your own interests can help you build rapport during the interview. Ask insightful questions about their research to demonstrate your enthusiasm and engagement.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Discussions
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about your collaborative experiences. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, particularly in interdisciplinary settings. This will show that you're a team player who can thrive in a diverse environment.